65
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
Austin wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Austin wins 4–0 overall (65/100)
💰 Austin is more affordable
💼 Austin has lower unemployment
🛡️ Austin has fewer disasters
📋 Austin vs Los Angeles — The Verdict
Austin scores 65.5/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Austin has a clear edge with home prices 44% lower. Austin has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, Austin has a notably lower disaster history with 42 fewer declarations in 20 years. Austin may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Austin are 44% lower — a difference of $361,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Austin saves you $242/month — that's $2,904 per year.
💵
Households in Austin earn $10,312 more per year (14% higher median income).
📊
Austin has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Austin has experienced 42 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$461,500
$822,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,549
$1,791
Median Income
$86,556
$76,244
Electricity ¢/kWh
12.30¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Austin offers home prices 44% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $361,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.5%
Top Jobs — Austin
Software Developer
$125,430
Registered Nurse
$78,340
Project Manager
$98,760
Accountant
$72,150
Marketing Manager
$105,200
Top Jobs — Los Angeles
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Austin having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
28 Good
0
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
3
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
2,000 Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
✅ Yes
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
5.46
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
12
54
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Low
Austin has a markedly lower disaster history — 42 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Austin to Los Angeles: Common Questions
Is Austin or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Austin is more affordable overall. Home prices are $361,100 lower in Austin. Monthly rent is $1,549 in Austin vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Austin or Los Angeles have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Austin or Los Angeles better for finding a job?
Austin currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Austin vs 5.5% in Los Angeles. Median household income is $86,556 in Austin and $76,244 in Los Angeles.
Which city is safer — Austin or Los Angeles?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Austin is safer. Austin has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 54 in Los Angeles. Austin scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Los Angeles.
Should I move from Austin to Los Angeles?
Based on our data, Austin scores 65.5/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Austin is more affordable, while Los Angeles has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.