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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Orange

California
206

Dallas is 53% cheaper than Orange.

$1,403/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 61%
$67,760/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 73%
$295,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 205%
$1,409/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 70%
1,299,553
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $849/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $10,188/year.

Median household income is $49,185/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Orange — common questions

Is Dallas or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Orange?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $849/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Orange?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $49,185/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Orange details →

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