Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Plano is 34% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $49,247 in Plano.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Plano scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Plano.
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