Median rent is 0% lower in Allen ($1,877/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Allen, where the median home runs $429,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Allen ($129,130 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Allen is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Allen, TX.
Quick verdict
Allen is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Allen vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Allen, TX
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Allen, TX?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$86,656
You'd need $11,656 more (16% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Allen
Texas
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,877/mo in Allen and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $429,900 in Allen — 51% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Allen a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Allen has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Allen.
Pick Allen if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Allen if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,130/yr).
Pick Allen if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Allen cheaper than Los Angeles?
Allen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Allen.
How much is rent in Allen vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,877/mo in Allen, TX and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Allen, TX has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Allen or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $129,130 in Allen, TX and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Allen, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Allen or Los Angeles?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Allen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allen, TX is equivalent to roughly $115,541 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology