Moving from Los Angeles to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 45% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Houston to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 45% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $21,965 |
| $50K | $27,457 |
| $60K | $32,948 |
| $75K | $41,185 |
| $80K | $43,931 |
| $100K | $54,913 |
| $120K | $65,896 |
| $150K | $82,370 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Houston
| Expense | Los Angeles | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $410 | $357 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $145 | $175 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 45% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Houston could save roughly $1,488/month on core expenses. That's ~$17,856/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $41,185/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only