Can I Afford to Live in Los Angeles vs Austin on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Los Angeles, CA
$7,781/mo take-home
Rent: $2,800/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight
Austin, TX
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (20% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Los Angeles
CA
Austin
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,781
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$2,800
$1,800Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$410
$372Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$100
$50Best ✓
Utilities
$145Best ✓
$170
Internet
$70
$65Best ✓
Left after essentials
$4,256/month
$6,487/month
Austin (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Los Angeles (CA rate: 9.3%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Los Angeles?

At $150K/year in Los Angeles, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,781. With 1BR rent around $2,800/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $150K a good salary in Austin?

At $150K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 20% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Austin leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,487/month vs $4,256/month in Los Angeles.

Can I afford to live alone in Los Angeles on $150K?

It's tight. Rent in Los Angeles would take 36% of your $150K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Los Angeles vs Austin

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only