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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Los Angeles is 42% more expensive than Plano.

$1,879/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 5%
$80,366/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 35%
$879,500 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 50%
$2,055/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↓ 11%
3,857,897
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $28,283/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Plano — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Plano?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Plano?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $28,283/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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