Houston vs Los Angeles: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Houston's homes carry a median value of $235,000, which is 71% lower than the $822,600 median value in Los Angeles.
On median household income, Houston posts $60,440 while Los Angeles posts $76,244.
Renters pay a median $1,235 in Houston versus $1,791 in Los Angeles.
On climate risk, the two cities are evenly matched — both rated "Very High" by FEMA.
| 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 |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Houston, TX compared with Los Angeles, CA: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
Moving between Houston and Los Angeles
Houston and Los Angeles are 1,379 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | Houston → Los Angeles | Los Angeles → Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$556/mo (+45%) | −$556/mo (−31%) |
| Median home value | +$587,600 (+250%) | −$587,600 (−71%) |
| Median household income | +$15,804 (+26%) | −$15,804 (−21%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,786 – $2,847 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $4,022 – $6,351 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $6,675 – $10,494 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
Houston, TX Los Angeles, CA
1,585 miles estimated driving distance · 26.4 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$1,955 – $2,489
Includes an estimated $555 in fuel (159 gal at ~10 mpg) over 3 driving days.
Professional Movers
$7,339 – $13,643
Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.
Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.