Dallas vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 70% less expensive than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Dallas, TX

COL index96 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,380/mo ✓
Median home price$340K ✓
VS

Los Angeles, CA

COL index163
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo
Median home price$850K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDallas indexLos Angeles indexDifference
Housing125 ✓215+90%
Groceries91 ✓153+62%
Transportation92 ✓151+59%
Healthcare93 ✓157+64%
Utilities93 ✓145+52%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Dallas → Los Angeles

What salary in Los Angeles gives you the same purchasing power as your Dallas salary?

Salary in DallasEquivalent in Los AngelesDifference
$60,000$117,000+$57,000
$80,000$157,000+$77,000
$100,000$196,000+$96,000
$130,000$254,000+$124,000
$150,000$293,000+$143,000
$200,000$391,000+$191,000

Dallas vs Los Angeles: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Los Angeles, CA, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 70%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas workers an immediate 9.3% take-home pay advantage over Los Angeles workers who pay California's 9.3% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Dallas is $340,000, compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,380/month in Dallas versus $2,600/month in Los Angeles.

Dallas vs Houston →Dallas vs San Antonio →Dallas vs Austin →Dallas vs Fort Worth →Dallas vs El Paso →Dallas vs Arlington →