Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 70.3% more expensive than Dallas, TX. This translates to spending an extra $5272 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $213,267.327 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 215.2% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $5272 more per month than Dallas, TX, or $63267 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.3K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $213.3K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 70.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$5,272

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$63.3K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:170

Median Home:$808K

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Dallas, TX vs Seattle, WA

Category	Dallas, TX	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $5,145more	215.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $601more	46.3%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $201more	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$824/mo	↑ $192more	30.4%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $99.93more	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$481/mo	↓ $81.96less	14.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 215.2%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$5,145

🚗Transportation

↑ 46.3%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$601

📦Other

↑ 11.3%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$201

🏥Healthcare

↑ 30.4%

Dallas, TX

$632

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$192

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.2%

Dallas, TX

$979

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$99.93

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.6%

Dallas, TX

$563

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$81.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$2,180

↑ $730

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$2,260

↑ $755

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$2,630

↑ $865

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$3,440

↑ $1,220

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$6,157

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Seattle

$292K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 176% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.