Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX
Thinking about moving from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX? Overall prices are 9% lower in Dallas, TX than in Los Angeles, CA, making Dallas, TX the more affordable of the two. This guide breaks down housing, income, taxes, and climate using the latest US government data so you can plan your relocation budget with realistic numbers rather than guesswork.
Salary calculator
How much would you need to earn in Dallas, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Dallas, TX
$68,450
You could earn $6,550 less (9% lower) and break even.
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.
Housing
Median rent is 25% lower in Dallas ($1,403) than in Los Angeles ($1,879). The typical home value is 66% lower in Dallas ($295,300) than in Los Angeles ($879,500). Factor in moving costs, deposits, and the gap between advertised and median rents when you set a housing budget.
Income & jobs
Median household income is 16% lower in Dallas ($67,760) than in Los Angeles ($80,366). After adjusting pay for local prices, a typical paycheck goes further in Los Angeles, CA.
Taxes
The top state income tax rate is 100% lower in Dallas (0.00%) than in Los Angeles (13.30%). State sales tax is 14% lower in Dallas (6.25%) than in Los Angeles (7.25%). Remember that local taxes and your specific bracket change the real picture (Tax Foundation, 2024).
Climate & air quality
Average air quality index is 43% lower in Dallas (44.0) than in Los Angeles (77.0). Lower AQI means cleaner air on a typical day, though seasonal wildfire smoke and pollen can shift this.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?
Yes. Dallas, TX has an overall cost index of 103.4 versus 113.3 in Los Angeles, CA — about 9% cheaper overall.
How much is rent in Dallas, TX?
The median gross rent in Dallas is $1,403 per month (US Census ACS).
What salary do you need in Dallas, TX?
Median household income in Dallas is $67,760. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current Los Angeles pay into the equivalent you'd need in Dallas.