Dallas vs Los Angeles: cost of living compared
Los Angeles is 67% more expensive than Dallas overall. Dallas (TX) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Dallas to Los Angeles means a substantial increase in overall expenses. Los Angeles's cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, while Dallas is only modestly above it. This considerable gap is predominantly driven by housing costs, which are much more expensive in Los Angeles. Other categories like transportation, food, and utilities also contribute to the higher price tag of living in Southern California.
Housing
Housing presents the most dramatic difference between these two metros. Buying a home in Los Angeles is considerably more expensive than in Dallas, and renting a typical apartment also shows a substantial price gap. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, but the initial purchase price or monthly rent is the biggest factor. Dallas generally offers more spacious, newer construction, while Los Angeles often features older, denser housing stock.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are noticeably higher in Los Angeles. California has a state income tax, which Texas does not, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs, including gas and vehicle expenses, are greater in Los Angeles, and commutes are generally longer. Groceries, healthcare, and utility bills also tend to be more expensive in Los Angeles, meaning everyday spending will feel much different.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle offers distinct differences. Dallas experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and mild, wet winters. Los Angeles is known for its dense, sprawling urbanity and reliance on personal vehicles, though public transit options exist. Dallas is also car-centric but generally feels less dense, with a faster pace of development.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two cities, the financial implications are profound. A budget that comfortably supports a lifestyle in Dallas will stretch considerably less in Los Angeles. The absence of a state income tax in Texas, combined with significantly lower housing costs and more affordable everyday expenses, means Dallas offers a much more budget-friendly environment compared to the substantially higher cost of living found in Los Angeles.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 105 | 175 |
| Housing index | 99 | 201 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 129 |
| Food index | 98 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 118 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 128 |
| Misc index | 98 | 118 |
| Median home price | $358,000 | $795,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Los Angeles home with the True Cost Calculator.