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Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA

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

32.4% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
59.3% 59.3% more expensive housing
13.4% 13.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 59.3% more
Dallas
108
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 13.4% more
Dallas
97
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 16.8% more
Dallas
101
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 17.3% more
Dallas
98
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 7.7% more
Dallas
104
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10213532.4% more
Housing10817259.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$2,60085.7% more
Median Home Price$340,000$700,000105.9% more
Groceries9711013.4% more
Transportation10111816.8% more
Healthcare9811517.3% more
Utilities1041127.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, TX Boston, MA
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Boston51°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 59.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas or Boston?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Dallas to Boston?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. 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 Dallas vs Boston?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $360,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.