Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 41.7% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $3129 per month.

What salary do I need in Dallas, TX to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $112,452.395 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 69.1% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX could save you approximately $3129 per month, or $37548 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.5K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 41.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,129

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$292K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Los Angeles, CA vs Dallas, TX

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $5,359less	69.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $861less	39.9%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$632/mo	↑ $78.07more	14.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$979/mo	↓ $60.95less	5.9%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $43.52more	2.5%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$563/mo	↑ $5.46more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$5,359

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 39.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$861

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$78.07

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$60.95

less

📦Other

↑ 2.5%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$43.52

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$5.46

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$1,450

↓ $460

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,505

↓ $630

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,765

↓ $895

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$2,220

↓ $1,150

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$6,153

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Dallas

$885K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 67% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - Dallas

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.