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Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Washington, DC

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

27.5% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
50.0% 50.0% more expensive housing
11.3% 11.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.0% more
Dallas
108
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 11.3% more
Dallas
97
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 20.8% more
Dallas
101
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 12.2% more
Dallas
98
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Dallas
104
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index10213027.5% more
Housing10816250.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$2,20057.1% more
Median Home Price$340,000$620,00082.4% more
Groceries9710811.3% more
Transportation10112220.8% more
Healthcare9811012.2% more
Utilities104105~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, TX Washington, DC
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Washington57°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Washington689,545

Moving from Dallas to Washington?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 50.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $800 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas or Washington?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $280,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.