Quick answer
Overall prices in the Los Angeles, CA metro were 113.6 vs 98.6 in Houston, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Los Angeles is 15.1% more expensive than Houston; housing rents differ by 63% (170.4 vs 104.5). A $75,000 income in Los Angeles buys about what $65,135 buys in Houston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Los Angeles | Houston | Los Angeles vs Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 113.6 | 98.6 | +15.1% |
| Goods | 106.6 | 100.6 | +5.9% |
| Housing (rents) | 170.4 | 104.5 | +63.1% |
| Utilities | 158.6 | 95.3 | +66.4% |
| Other services | 104.4 | 95.6 | +9.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.3 | 99.4 | +14.0% |
| $50,000 in Los Angeles equals in Houston | $43,424 | ||
| $100,000 in Los Angeles equals in Houston | $86,847 | ||
| $150,000 in Los Angeles equals in Houston | $130,271 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.