Is Austin, TX cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.0% more expensive than Dallas, TX. This translates to spending an extra $149 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $151,782.178 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 20.7% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $149 more per month than Dallas, TX, or $1782 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $149/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$149

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$558K

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Dallas, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Dallas, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $494more	20.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$541/mo	↓ $21.86less	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 20.7%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$494

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Dallas, TX

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

Dallas, TX

$563

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.86

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Dallas, TX

$979

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$13.66

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$1,585

↑ $135

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,685

↑ $180

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,995

↑ $230

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$2,525

↑ $305

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$361

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Austin

$292K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 91% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Austin, 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

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, 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.