Houston vs Los Angeles: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Houston's median home value is $235,000 — 71% lower than Los Angeles's $822,600.
Median household income is $60,440 in Houston versus $76,244 in Los Angeles.
Typical rent runs $1,235 in Houston and $1,791 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Houston, TX | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,296,253 | 3,881,041 |
| Median home value | $235,000 | $822,600 |
| Median household income | $60,440 | $76,244 |
| Median gross rent | $1,235 | $1,791 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
On housing costs, Houston, TX looks more affordable than Los Angeles, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
- Best cities in Texas
- Best cities in California
- Los Angeles vs San Diego: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Austin vs Houston: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Dallas vs Houston: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.