Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Dallas, TX

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Dallas, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

25.0% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
39.3% 39.3% cheaper housing
11.8% 11.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 39.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 11.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 19.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index13610225.0% less
Housing17810839.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,40044.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$340,00061.4% less
Groceries1109711.8% less
Transportation12510119.2% less
Healthcare1129812.5% less
Utilities105104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Dallas, TX
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Dallas outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Dallas to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Los Angeles to Dallas?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Dallas → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Dallas →

Compare Other Cities

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Dallas vs Raleigh → Dallas vs Portland → Dallas vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 39.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $1,100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Dallas?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Dallas?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $540,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Texas averages 1.60%.