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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

4.1% Dallas, TX is more expensive overall
3.8% 3.8% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.8% more
Raleigh
104
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 5.2% more
Raleigh
96
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Raleigh
98
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index981024.1% more
Housing1041083.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,4003.7% more
Median Home Price$385,000$340,00011.7% less
Groceries9797~Same
Transportation961015.2% more
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Dallas, TX
State Income Tax4.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Raleigh to Dallas?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Dallas?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Dallas?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Texas averages 1.60%.