Leaving LA: compare

Austin vs Dallas

Two of the places Angelenos weigh most. Here's how they stack up on price, pace and taxes, measured against what a typical LA home sells for.

Quick answer: Dallas is about 10% cheaper at the median ($512K vs $570K), and Dallas homes have been selling faster (40 median days on market). Redfin, May 2026.
Austin, TXDallas, TX
Median sale price$570K$512K
Median single-family$600K$570K
Median condo$365K$271K
Median $/sq ft$316$262
Median days on market4740
Avg sale-to-list97.7%97.6%
Sq ft for $1M (at median $/sq ft)3,1603,820
Californians who moved to the state (2024)77,16177,161

Redfin Data Center, May 2026, all residential unless noted. Typical LA County zip for reference: $904K median, $588/sq ft. Mover counts: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024.

Taxes

Austin: None on wages (Texas has no personal income tax). Dallas: None on wages (Texas has no personal income tax). Property tax, insurance and HOA costs vary by address in both places and can matter as much as income tax, so price them for any specific home.

Not tax, legal or financial advice. This page is general information and illustrative examples written by a real estate agent, not a CPA, attorney or financial advisor. Tax laws change and every situation is different. Before making decisions, talk with a qualified tax professional and attorney about your specific circumstances. Market figures are estimates from public data and may be out of date.

Go deeper

Read the full guides: moving from LA to Austin and moving from LA to Dallas.

Common questions

Is Austin or Dallas cheaper?

Dallas had the lower median sale price, about $512K versus $570K in Austin (Redfin, May 2026), roughly 10% less at the median.

Which has lower state income tax, Austin or Dallas?

Austin: None on wages (Texas has no personal income tax). Dallas: None on wages (Texas has no personal income tax). Rates change, so confirm with each state and a CPA.

What does $1 million buy in Austin vs Dallas?

At the median price per square foot, $1 million works out to roughly 3,160 square feet in Austin and 3,820 in Dallas, versus about 1,700 at the LA median. A rough illustration, not a listing.

The Leaving LA calculator

Your LA equity. Anywhere.

Uses recent public sales data for your zip code. Rough and illustrative, not a valuation.

Compare markets (most popular with people leaving LA; up to 8)
Free. No obligation.

Get your real number.

An online range is where you start. I pull the actual comps on your home, tell you what it should sell for, and build the timing around your move.

Prefer to talk? Call or text 310-881-8759.

By submitting, you agree that Tyler Drinkwater may contact you by phone, text or email about your request. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out anytime. See our privacy policy.

Got it. I'll reach out personally, usually within one business day. Tyler

Last reviewed October 13, 2026.