Home › Compare › Seattle, WA vs Dallas, TX

Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

17.7% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
30.8% 30.8% cheaper housing
10.2% 10.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.8% cheaper
Seattle
156
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 10.2% cheaper
Seattle
108
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 14.4% cheaper
Seattle
118
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Seattle
110
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 14.3% more
Seattle
91
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index12410217.7% less
Housing15610830.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,40031.7% less
Median Home Price$780,000$340,00056.4% less
Groceries1089710.2% less
Transportation11810114.4% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities9110414.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Dallas, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Seattle to Dallas?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle 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 30.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Dallas?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Dallas?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $440,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Texas averages 1.60%.