Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Los Angeles is 36% more expensive than Allen.

$1,879/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ≈ Same
$80,366/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 61%
$879,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 51%
$2,055/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 1%
3,857,897
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $48,764/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Allen — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Allen?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Allen?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $48,764/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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