Plano vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living (2026)

Plano is 55% less expensive than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.

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At a glance

Plano, TX

COL index105 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,500/mo ✓
Median home price$430K ✓
VS

Los Angeles, CA

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryPlano indexLos Angeles indexDifference
Housing137 ✓215+78%
Groceries100 ✓153+53%
Transportation100 ✓151+51%
Healthcare102 ✓157+55%
Utilities100 ✓145+45%

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

Salary equivalency: Plano → Los Angeles

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

Salary in PlanoEquivalent in Los AngelesDifference
$60,000$107,000+$47,000
$80,000$143,000+$63,000
$100,000$179,000+$79,000
$130,000$233,000+$103,000
$150,000$268,000+$118,000
$200,000$358,000+$158,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Plano, TX and Los Angeles, CA, Plano comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 105 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 55%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano 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 Plano is $430,000, compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,500/month in Plano versus $2,600/month in Los Angeles.

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