Choosing between living in Dallas or Austin? These large Texas cities are two of the best places to live in the South with their strong yet distinct job markets, real estate markets, and more. We compared several factors of both cities, including unique things to do, places to eat, costs of living, who they might be best for, and more. Read our guide to living in Dallas vs. Austin below!
The choice to live in Austin vs. Dallas will ultimately depend on your lifestyle, needs, and more. Living in Austin might be geared more toward a younger crowd seeking a tech career, who love the outdoors, attending festivals, and immersing themselves in the live music scene. However, if you’re seeking a broader job market, a more affordable cost of living, and a further developed public transit system, living in Dallas, Texas, could be a better fit for you.
By checking out the cost of living in Dallas vs. Austin’s cost of living, you can see which city might be better suited for your situation when it comes to everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, healthcare, housing, and more. Read on to see how far your dollar goes in these popular Texas cities.
Though Austin’s cost of living is higher, its median household income of $75,752—which is higher than the national average and compared to Dallas—makes living here easier to afford. While Austin’s housing is also typically more expensive than Dallas’, the Texas capital continues to increase its Y-O-Y population growth, offers a median home value that’s 94% higher than the national average, and is one of the best cities to buy real estate—so residents can consider renting out or investing in Airbnb properties for tourists visiting Austin for live music, sports, fun, and more. Renters can graduate to homebuyers via safe, affordable Austin neighborhoods offering budget-friendly housing, like Hyde Park, North University, and Windsor Hills.
One of the best parts about living in Dallas is its affordability compared to Austin—though the cost of living in Dallas is around 7% higher than the national average, it’s 20% more expensive than the national average to live in Austin—meaning your dollar will stretch longer in Dallas. Additionally, Dallas’ housing market is a whopping 64% more affordable than Austin’s, which is a lot more approachable for first-time homebuyers in Texas. Residents can find more budget-friendly housing in affordable Dallas neighborhoods like Oak Lawn, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, and more.
Q: Is Dallas or Austin more affordable?
A: Generally, Dallas is more affordable to live in than Austin: There is a lower cost of living and more affordable housing in Dallas—though Austin’s culture, booming tech sector, and median home value often justify the higher cost of living for many residents.
An important factor to consider when choosing between Austin and Dallas is their unique job markets. Both locations are known as being great cities for entrepreneurs in addition to being some of the best cities for jobs, but each city offers something unique to its respective residents. Austin is known for its booming tech industry, while Dallas can offer a bit more variety when it comes to key industries.
Austin’s unemployment rate of 3.2% comes as no surprise due to the number of opportunities in technology and non-tech industries. In addition to being recognized as one of the best places to start a business, ATX is continually garnering a reputation for being one of the best cities for tech jobs. Look for jobs in Austin at companies like Q2, Dell, AMD, and more. Outside of technology, major industries in Austin include automotive, life sciences, and creative and digital media. You can find jobs at large companies headquartered in Austin, like Whole Foods Market, Hanger, and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
With a comparable low unemployment rate of 3.4% and key industries of education, healthcare, government, finance, and more, Dallas offers plenty of opportunities for job seekers. You’ll find opportunities at major corporations and Fortune 500 companies in Dallas, like HollyFrontier, Energy Transfer, AT&T, and more. Thrive as an educator in the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD), the second-largest school district in Texas. Dive in to the healthcare sector with employers like UT Southwestern Medical Center, Methodist Health System, and Children’s Medical Center. Because of its business-friendly practices, Dallas has become a hot spot for finance jobs with companies like Comerica, MoneyGram, and Carlson Capital.
Q: Where should I start a business in Texas?
A: Austin is a great place to start a business in Texas because of its start-up culture, access to a skilled talent pool, and favorable business climate. Dallas, on the other hand, offers a more diversified economy, more affordable cost of living in Texas, and excellent transportation infrastructure.
When you’re considering living in Dallas vs. Austin, a major thing to think about is how available and reliable the transportation options are for residents. Both Dallas and Austin have several options for you to take advantage of and save money on gas.
A highly walkable city, Austin has different options for pedestrians and especially cyclists—like the CapMetro Bikeshare Stations or the numerous bike paths in ATX, in addition to continued efforts toward sustainable transit. When living in Austin, Texas, you’ll have some public transportation options to choose from. The major public transportation provider in Austin is CapMetro, which provides a variety of bus routes to make getting around the city a stress-free process. If you need to visit North Austin, catch a ride on the CapMetro Rail, a 32-mile route from Downtown Austin via the Red Line.
Even though Dallas is a huge metro area, residents only have to deal with an average 27-minute commute, just slightly above the national average. Public transportation in Dallas is managed by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART), which offers the longest light rail in the U.S., plus buses, streetcars, and more for residents to hitch a ride on. Residents can also use the free M-Line trolley provided by the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority. If you plan to frequently commute between Fort Worth and Dallas, you might consider taking the Trinity Railway Express (TRE).
Q: Do you need a car in Dallas or Austin?
A: No, you don’t need a car in Dallas thanks to its robust public transportation options—including a rail system, streetcars, and buses—making it easier to get around without a car. And while Austin is striving to increase its use of sustainable transit—offering bus routes, rail lines, bike share stations, and more—it’s still a car-heavy city.
If you’re picking between moving to Dallas or moving to Austin, you’ll see that both areas have several higher education institutions to choose from to pursue academics, broaden your knowledge, and advance your career. Here are the available higher education options in Austin and Dallas.
If you’re interested in enrolling at a Southern college or university, Austin has options for you! Enjoy being a supporter of Longhorn Athletics while pursuing a degree in architectural studies, business analytics, and public relations at the University of Texas at Austin. Sharpen your skills in acting, dive deep into art history, and study entrepreneurship at St. Edward’s University, one of the top regional universities in the West. Experience hands-on learning with programs like behavioral sciences, kinesiology, and English at Concordia University. Work your way toward a degree in computer science, professional writing, and music at Huston-Tillotson University. You can also commute just 30 minutes to Round Rock, TX, to check out majors like advertising, computer information systems, and photography at Texas State University.
Just like the diversity of its job market, Dallas’ colleges offer a variety of programs that will set you up for success in different fields. Earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting, animation, and biology from the University of Texas at Dallas. Try out programs like applied physics, classical education, and dramas at the University of Dallas. Level-up your passion in digital gaming design programs or prep yourself for a medical career in the pre-med track at Southern Methodist University, known as one of the top pre-med programs in Texas. Check out one of the largest community colleges in Texas—Dallas College, which offers classes for anthropology, Arabic, communications, and more. Earn a degree in public health, elementary education, and mathematics at UNT Dallas, the only public, accredited university in Dallas. Or explore fields of study like commercial art, cell biology, and criminal justice at Dallas Baptist University.
Q: Should I go to college in Austin or Dallas?
A: Picking where to go to school between Austin and Dallas will depend on your priorities. Austin, TX, offers a classic college experience with an energetic sports fan base, strong music scene, and more, with schools like the University of Texas at Austin. Dallas’ diverse urban atmosphere offers graduating college students a strong job market, and schools like Southern Methodist University, where you can focus on your career goals.
No matter if you’re enjoying life in North Central Texas or thriving in Central Texas, this state experiences consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Here are some things to do outside in Austin and Dallas. While some outdoor attractions can require a drive, the effort is worth it!
Because of the warm summers, there are plenty of ways for you to experience Austin’s outdoor recreation! Cool off with a swim, rent a boat for a day, and go ziplining at Lake Travis. Embark on a bat-watching adventure to see the largest colony of urban Mexican free-tailed bats fly beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Relax by spending your day dipping into swimming holes, hiking the trails, and renting a canoe at Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 358-acre outdoor playground. As one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States, Austin has both on and off-leash dog parks, and dog-friendly eateries like the Yard Bar and Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden.
With 234 days of sunshine, you’ll get to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities in Dallas with little chance of snow to impede your plans. Dallas is part of a Blackland Prairie Ecosystem with an annual high temperature of 96 degrees and a low temperature of 30 degrees. The Dallas Park System is comprised of 410 parks and 180 miles of trails, making it an absolute haven for outdoor rec enthusiasts. Explore the variety of gardens spread out across 66 acres or attend fun events like Artscape, Cool Thursday Concert Series, and more at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Go for a jog, sail out on the water, and go hiking at White Rock Lake Park. Grab your binoculars for a bird-watching session or walk along the trails at Cedar Ridge Preserve. Bike the trail, visit the Trinity River Audubon Center, and kayak the Trinity River at the Great Trinity Forest.
Q: Where can I go hiking or biking in Austin or Dallas?
A: Some popular biking and hiking trails in Austin include the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, and McKinney Falls State Park. In Dallas, check out the Trinity Forest Trail, Katy Trail, and Cedar Ridge Preserve for scenic outdoor adventures.
Getting to experience Dallas living and immersing yourself in the lifestyle in Austin, Texas, is a unique experience. The capital’s Keep Austin Weird culture continues as a modern city that’s laid-back, bursting with creativity, and offers plenty of things to do for festival and music lovers. Living in Dallas is geared more toward families and is more fast-paced, with a strong focus on business, sports, and a diverse cultural scene.
The Austin lifestyle is marked by its creative spirit, from its massive music scene as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and immersive nightlife, to its delicious dining options. Sing along to your favorite or discover your next musical obsession with thousands of other attendees at the SXSW Music Festival (also known as South by Southwest). Check out more than 100 unique live music performances across nine stages at Austin City Limits. Relax and attend the annual free concert series, Blues on the Green. The restaurants in Austin have something to offer everyone, from authentic international cuisine to local favorites. Try out local Austin food trucks to taste the Sonoran Hot Dog, Asada Fries, and Cali Burrito at T-Loc’s Sonora. Munch on authentic Thai cuisine like Pad Thai, Thai Fried Rice, and Fried Tofu at Coat & Thai. Fill up on the Spicy Blackbean Wrap, Bella Wrap, and sip a Spinach Smoothie at Conscious Cravings. Explore the variety of nightclubs, bars, and hidden hangout spots at 6th Street. Tickle your funny bone with touring comedic acts at Vulcan Gas Company. Or order delicious cocktails like the Half Moon Bay, Creole Fix, and Ground Control at DrinkWell.
If you want to experience true Dallas culture, then you need to attend a sporting event in person, check out local festivals, and dine out at unique restaurants. Grab your foam finger and get ready to support one of several sports teams in Dallas. Root for the Dallas Cowboys (NFL)—known as America’s Team—at AT&T Stadium. Make plans to visit the American Airlines Center to support both the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) as they dunk—and the Dallas Stars (NHL) glide across the ice to victory. Wave your foam finger as you support the Dallas Wings (WNBA) at the College Park Center. Cheer on the Texas Rangers (MLB) at the climate-controlled Globe Life Field. Listen to live music at Stars of Texas Music Festival before joining in on a beautiful lantern release at the Lights Sky Lantern Festival. Dance the day away with performances by local and nationally touring R&B, blues, jazz, and soul artists at the Riverfront Jazz Festival. Embark on a Dallas food tour to sample a variety of unique cuisine! Treat yourself to famous Dallas BBQ dishes like Brisket, The “Hot Mess”, and Southern Fried Chicken at Pecan Lodge. Feast on unique burgers like the Ranch House, Mother Blues, and Nanny Goat at Rodeo Goat. Or try the Trifolata, Napoli Centrale, and Tridente pizzas at Partenope Ristorante.
Q: What is the lifestyle like in Austin vs. Dallas?
A: Austin offers residents a laid-back, creative lifestyle with a strong focus on music, tech, and outdoor activities. Dallas has a more fast-paced, professional vibe with a polished urban culture and diverse entertainment options.
Both Austin and Dallas can be great places to raise a family in Texas! Read below to see which of these cities might be better suited for your family based on factors like available schools, family-friendly activities, and more.
While the area is geared toward young professionals, there is still plenty of fun in Austin for all ages, in addition to quality schools and family-friendly neighborhoods. Enroll your kids in great schools in the Austin Independent School District or nearby ones like the Eanes Independent School District, Leander Independent School District, and Dripping Springs Independent School District. Visit the Austin Zoo to see unique animals like the Galapagos tortoise in private encounters, feed goats, and more. Immerse your kids in the theatre scene with live performances like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical—or enroll your kids in an acting summer camp at the ZACH Theatre. Take a picture with the giant T-Rex and then golf across two 18-hole courses at Peter Pan Mini Golf. Meet wild animals up close like Central Texas birds, snakes, and more at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Need to move your family to Dallas? The area is filled with Dallas-Fort Worth schools to choose from, and there are plenty of fun things to do for young and big kids alike in family-friendly neighborhoods in Dallas. Enroll your kids in the Dallas Independent School District or one of several that serve the greater metro area, like Carroll Independent School District, the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, and the Coppell Independent School District. Take your kids to see unique animals like elephants, giraffes, and ostriches at the Dallas Zoo. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city, day or night, at the Reunion Tower. Learn about ocean life like the harlequin shrimp, zebra angelfish, and a blackeye goby at the Dallas World Aquarium. Compete across three 18-hole miniature golf courses, practice your swing in the batting cages, or try your hand at laser tag at Adventure Landing. Check out live performances of James and the Giant Peach, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, and more at the Dallas Children’s Theater.
Q: Is Dallas or Austin better for families with kids?
A: Both cities have great options for families, but it depends on what you’re looking for. Dallas has a wider range of family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and major attractions like the Dallas Zoo. Austin offers a more laid-back lifestyle with outdoor adventures and access to nature, making it ideal for active families.
Looking for cool places to live in Dallas or Austin? Austin and Dallas are two of the best cities for young professionals in Texas, both offering vibrant social scenes and nightlife hangouts to help you meet new people, let off steam, and more.
Known for its thriving tech industry and music scene, there are a variety of great places to live in Austin for singles and young professionals, with cool neighborhoods including Downtown Austin, South Lamar, and Old West Austin. Young adults on a budget can also check out some of the best neighborhoods to rent in Austin, like Barton Hills and Mueller. Channel your school spirit to root for the Texas Longhorns (D-I FBS) football team at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Appreciate the work of a variety of artists through rotating indoor exhibits like Raven Halfmoon: Flags of Our Mothers or check out the Outdoor Sculpture Park at The Contemporary Austin. Visit top-tier Austin breweries like the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company, Austin Beerworks, and Still Austin Whiskey Co. distillery. Enjoy a rooftop bar experience while you sip cocktails like the Green with Envy, Beachy Peachy, and Berry Rummy at the Gallery Rooftop Lounge. Laugh out loud with live performances of both local and nationally touring comedians at the Comedy Mothership.
Singles and young professionals moving to Dallas can find renter-friendly neighborhoods and places to live with plenty of things to do in areas like Deep Ellum, Uptown, the Bishop Arts District, and more. Have a blast at local festivals like the popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, featuring a live block party with live music, beer tastings, and food. Head out for a date night in Dallas to experience live opera, ballet, and musicals at the Winspear Opera House. Shop to your heart’s content at stores like Akris, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, and more at the Highland Park Village. Sample the best margaritas in Dallas at local spots like Beto & Son, Casablanca, and more when you explore the well-known Margarita Mile. Laugh all night with performances from touring comedic acts like David Gborie, Jamie Wolf, and Brian Simpson, or sign up to perform at the Dallas Comedy Club. Dance like nobody is watching and enjoy bottle service at VIP tables at Stars and Spirits. Or belt out your favorite songs at Karaoke night or dance along to DJ music at The Nines.
Q: Does Austin or Dallas have better nightlife for young adults?
A: Both cities offer vibrant nightlife, but the experience differs. Austin is known for its music-focused scene with hot spots like Sixth Street and Rainey Street. Dallas offers a more upscale, diverse nightlife with trendy bars, lounges, and clubs in areas like Deep Ellum and Uptown.
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