Is Austin or Los Angeles more affordable?
Austin has a median rent of $1,415/month, while Los Angeles is $1,852/month. Austin is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Austin, TX vs Los Angeles, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Austin and Los Angeles.
4
Austin wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
Los Angeles wins
TX
Austin
vs
CA
Los Angeles
Overview
944,658
Population
3,898,747
$78,965✓
Median Income
-12.4%$69,144
Cost of Living
$1,415✓
Median Rent / mo
+30.9%$1,852
$381,400✓
Median Home Price
+96.6%$750,000
22%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
9.50%
Climate & Weather
71.28°F
Avg High Temp
75°F
68.16°F
Avg Low Temp
58°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
284 days✓
N/A
Annual Rainfall
15"
Who should choose
Austin, TX
Austin is a city in Texas with a population of 944,658.
Read full Austin guide →Who should choose
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city in California with a population of 3,898,747.
Read full Los Angeles guide →Austin vs Los Angeles — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Austin or Los Angeles?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Austin wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Austin and Los Angeles?
Los Angeles gets 284 sunny days/year. Avg high in Austin: 71.28°F. Avg high in Los Angeles: 75°F
Which city is better for families — Austin or Los Angeles?
Austin. Los Angeles. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.