Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 4.1% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $309 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $153,711.34 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 3.2% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $309 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $3711 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Dallas, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $309/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.7K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$309

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$292K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs Dallas, TX

Category	Raleigh, NC	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $77.96less	3.2%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$632/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$563/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 3.2%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$77.96

less

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$66.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$30.98

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$16.39

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$13.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,450

↓ $120

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,505

↓ $135

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,765

↓ $35.00

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,220

↓ $35.00

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$70.02

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Dallas

$512K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 43% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.