Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 33.6% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2516 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $119,802.632 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 61.5% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX could save you approximately $2516 per month, or $30197 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.8K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 33.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,516

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.2K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$292K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Dallas, TX

Category	Washington, DC	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $3,820less	61.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $587less	31.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$979/mo	↓ $99.93less	9.3%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$563/mo	↑ $54.64more	10.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.5%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$3,820

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.2%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$587

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.3%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$99.93

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.8%

Washington, DC

$508

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$54.64

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Washington, DC

$632

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,450

↓ $700

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,505

↓ $710

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,765

↓ $705

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,220

↓ $895

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$4,503

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Dallas

$556K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 47% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $11.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$929

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.