🇺🇸 Houston vs 🇺🇸 Los Angeles
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Houston
United States
$2,154–$3,410/mo
$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 31% more expensive
Houston wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Houston (USD) | Los Angeles (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,615–$2,513 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Houston |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $853–$1,346 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Houston |
| Utilities | $67–$130 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Houston |
| Groceries | $341–$512 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Houston |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $45–$81 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Houston |
| Public transport (monthly) | $85–$103 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Houston |
| Internet & Mobile | $27–$45 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Houston |
| Gym membership | $31–$58 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Houston |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$16 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Houston |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,154–$3,410 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 Houston |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.1 / 10 · 3.1 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Safety8.6 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Houston
Los Angeles▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Education8.2 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Economy7.3 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Internet8.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Houston▲ better
Los Angeles
Who should choose which city?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Energy jobs
- ✓Energy sector
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Houston
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
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📊
Full Houston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Houston →📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →