Los Angeles vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~43% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $821 | +$1,806 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $630 | +$1,429 |
| Groceries | $484 | $370 | +$114 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $15 | +$11 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $47 | +$38 |
| Utilities | $196 | $170 | +$26 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $850/mo | -$650 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,134/mo | -$866 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,701/mo | -$1,299 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 43% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $1,806/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $21,672 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 vs $15 show Graz offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.