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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Dallas

Texas
97

Los Angeles is 90% more expensive than Dallas.

$1,879/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,403/mo ↓ 25%
$80,366/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$67,760/yr ↓ 16%
$879,500 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$295,300 ↓ 66%
$2,055/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,409/mo ↓ 31%
3,857,897
Population
1,299,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $12,606/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $295,300 in Dallas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Dallas — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Dallas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Dallas?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Dallas it's $1,403/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Dallas?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $67,760 in Dallas. Median household income is $12,606/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Dallas?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Dallas has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,403/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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