Is Dallas, TX cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 48.7% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3655 per month.

What salary do I need in Dallas, TX to live like I do in San Francisco, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $106,142.132 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Francisco, CA and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 75.5% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX?

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX could save you approximately $3655 per month, or $43858 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.7K/month moving to Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.1K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 48.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,655

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$292K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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: San Francisco, CA vs Dallas, TX

Category	San Francisco, CA	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $7,380less	75.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $861less	39.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$979/mo	↓ $180less	15.5%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$563/mo	↑ $115more	25.6%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $100less	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$632/mo	↓ $74.35less	10.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 75.5%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$7,380

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 39.9%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$861

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.5%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$180

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 25.6%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$115

📦Other

↓ 5.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$74.35

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,450

↓ $1,010

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,505

↓ $1,445

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,765

↓ $1,805

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,220

↓ $2,340

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$8,481

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Dallas

$1.25M

Median Value

$292K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 77% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.