Moving from Los Angeles to Houston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle in Houston, you'd need to earn:
$59,737/year
▼ $15,263 less than you make now
| Category | Los Angeles | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $59,737 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,130 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$3,704 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$866 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $50,037 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -13.2% in Houston
- Housing is -38.7% in Houston
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,517/year in taxes in Houston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,371 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Los Angeles to Houston
| Your Los Angeles Salary | Houston Equivalent | Difference | Houston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,299 | -$6,701 | $28,794 |
| $50,000 | $41,374 | -$8,626 | $35,283 |
| $60,000 | $49,329 | -$10,671 | $41,674 |
| $75,000 | $59,737 | -$15,263 | $50,037 |
| $100,000 | $78,040 | -$21,960 | $63,287 |
| $150,000 | $114,886 | -$35,114 | $89,208 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Los Angeles and Houston Compare
Housing (39% cheaper in Houston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Houston rents for $1,129/month compared to $2,295/month in Los Angeles. Median home prices: $335,000 in Houston vs $940,000 in Los Angeles.
Taxes
California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. Texas has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Houston would save you about $3,517/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Houston's overall cost of living is 13.2% lower than Los Angeles, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Los Angeles: 113.6, Houston: 98.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Los Angeles to Houston move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Houston
Average 1BR rent in Houston: $1,129/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →