Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 4.7% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $350 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $154,196.891 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Dallas, TX is 9.1% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $350 more per month than Houston, TX, or $4197 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $350/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.2K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$350

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.2K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$292K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Dallas, TX

Category	Houston, TX	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $200more	9.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $152less	10.5%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$632/mo	↑ $70.01more	12.5%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$979/mo	↑ $67.95more	7.5%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$563/mo	↑ $10.38more	1.9%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $6.70more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 9.1%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$200

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.5%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$152

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.5%

Houston, TX

$562

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$70.01

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.5%

Houston, TX

$911

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$67.95

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.9%

Houston, TX

$552

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$10.38

📦Other

↑ 0.4%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$6.70

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,450

↑ $230

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,505

↑ $245

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,765

↑ $265

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,220

↑ $200

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$204

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Dallas

$245K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 19% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Houston, 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

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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.