🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Los Angeles
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 12% more expensive
Austin wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Los Angeles (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Austin |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Austin |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Austin |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Austin |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Austin |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Austin |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Austin |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Austin |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Austin |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 Austin |
See how your salary compares in both cities
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Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 3.1 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Safety9.1 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Austin
Los Angeles▲ better
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Education8.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Environment9.5 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Economy7.8 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Culture8.4 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Internet8.8 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Los Angeles
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Austin
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
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📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →