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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Dallas, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.0% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
8.5% 8.5% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.5% cheaper
Austin
118
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 3.1% more
Austin
98
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Austin
99
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index103102~Same
Housing1181088.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,4003.4% less
Median Home Price$425,000$340,00020.0% less
Groceries9697~Same
Transportation981013.1% more
Healthcare9798~Same
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Dallas, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Dallas costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Dallas to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Austin979,882
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Austin to Dallas?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Dallas → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Dallas →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Dallas vs Portland → Dallas vs Phoenix → Dallas vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Dallas?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Dallas?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Texas averages 1.60%.