Los Angeles vs Dallas
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 41% more affordable than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.

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At a glance

Los Angeles, CA

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

Dallas, TX

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLos Angeles indexDallas indexDifference
Housing215125 ✓-90%
Groceries15391 ✓-62%
Transportation15192 ✓-59%
Healthcare15793 ✓-64%
Utilities14593 ✓-52%

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

Salary equivalency: Los Angeles → Dallas

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

Salary in Los AngelesEquivalent in DallasDifference
$60,000$31,000$-29,000
$80,000$41,000$-39,000
$100,000$51,000$-49,000
$130,000$66,000$-64,000
$150,000$77,000$-73,000
$200,000$102,000$-98,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 41%.

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

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