Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Irvine, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Irvine

California
256

Dallas is 62% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,403/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 106%
$67,760/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 91%
$295,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 278%
$1,409/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 106%
1,299,553
Population
308,160

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,490/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $17,880/year.

Median household income is $61,887/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Irvine — common questions

Is Dallas or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Irvine?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,490/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Irvine?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $61,887/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Irvine details →

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