Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 32.2% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2416 per month.

What salary do I need in Dallas, TX to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $121,006.711 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 54.7% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Dallas, TX?

Moving from Boston, MA to Dallas, TX could save you approximately $2416 per month, or $28993 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.0K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,416

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$292K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Dallas, TX

Category	Boston, MA	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $2,885less	54.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $533less	29.1%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$563/mo	↓ $153less	21.4%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$632/mo	↓ $112less	15.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$979/mo	↓ $99.93less	9.3%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.7%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$2,885

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.1%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$533

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.4%

Boston, MA

$716

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$153

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

Boston, MA

$743

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$112

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.3%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$99.93

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,450

↓ $1,645

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,505

↓ $1,750

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,765

↓ $2,100

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,220

↓ $2,410

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$3,832

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Dallas

$961K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 70% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Dallas

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.