Los Angeles, California vs Austin, Texas (2026)
LA→Austin is the highest-volume interstate lane in the U.S.; housing-cost gap is the headline. Figures use public data: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents, Tax Foundation 2026 rates, and ReloFig's transparent moving model (BLS/EIA).
Personalize the comparison
Over 12 months at $100,000/yr: Austin runs about $25,912 less than Los Angeles in rent + state income tax (tax: $13,300 less; rent: $12,612 less). One-time move cost differs by about $523 (Los Angeles higher).
| Line | Los Angeles | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (model, 2-BR) | $759–$2,672 | $527–$1,859 |
| 2-BR HUD FY2026 FMR | $2903/mo | $1852/mo |
| State income tax (top marginal) | 13.3% | 0.0% |
| Rent over 12 mo | $34,836 | $22,224 |
| Tax on $100,000 over 12 mo | $13,300 | $0 |
Model estimates only — rent uses HUD FMR (40th percentile), tax uses top-marginal rates (Tax Foundation 2026). Your actual rent and effective rate will differ.
Cost line items (2-bedroom basis)
| Item | Los Angeles | Austin | Yearly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (model) | $759–$2,672 | $527–$1,859 | one-time |
| 2-BR rent (HUD FY2026 FMR) | $2903/mo | $1852/mo | $-12,612/yr |
| State income tax (top marginal, $100K) | 13.3% | 0.0% | $13,300/yr |
HUD FMRs are 40th-percentile gross rent benchmarks (huduser.gov). Tax rates are top-marginal (Tax Foundation 2026); your effective rate differs. Move figures are model estimates, not quotes.
Dive deeper
Los Angeles to Austin corridor guide → · California moving guide → · Texas moving guide → · All state guides →