How Much Does it Cost to Live in Dallas, TX?

Considering a move to Dallas? As one of the best places to live in the South, not far from places people are moving, D-Town offers a relatively affordable lifestyle for those moving across the country—or even moving a short distance from a nearby city. To help you gauge the cost of living in Dallas, ask movers questions before hiring, and check out below to see the average prices and percentages comparing costs to the national average!

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dallas?

The cost of living in Dallas is just 1% higher than the national average, making this Texas city more affordable than other big metros such as Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle. Some of the largest savings come from lower transportation and housing costs. Explore more detailed cost comparisons below!

Cost of Housing in Dallas

Dallas housing prices are about 9% lower than the national average—while the rental price is just about even with the national average with less than 1% difference. Whether you're looking to buy a home or rent a home, there are a variety of safe and affordable Dallas neighborhoods with budget-friendly housing options to choose from! Here are the average costs you can expect.

Cost of Utilities in Dallas (Monthly)

While the overall cost of living in Dallas is generally on par with the national average, certain expenses—such as energy and phone bills—trend slightly higher than the U.S. average. Specifically, energy prices in Dallas are about 22% more expensive, though phone bills are a bit more reasonable at 4% more expensive than the national average.

Cost of Groceries in Dallas

Despite being apart of a large metro, Dallas tends to offer slightly lower prices for groceries—costing residents just 2% less compared to the U.S. average. So while other items may cost more than in other areas, Dallas residents can find some savings on groceries with items like meat and dairy. However, your home size and dietary needs, as well as where you shop, will affect these prices. Compare grocery prices below.

Cost of Healthcare in Dallas

Despite higher costs for dental visits, Dallas is pretty even with the national average at less than 1% difference for medical care as a whole. Residents can find lower-than-average prices for doctors, optometrists, and prescription medications, however. Here's how Dallas healthcare costs compare to the national average.

Cost of Transportation in Dallas

Dallas residents can find additional savings in transportation costs! The average cost of gas in Dallas is 7% below the national average, and tire balancing goes for a lower price at 13% lower. It's worth mentioning that residents can also potentially find even more savings—in costs and time—by utilizing the city's public transit light rail system, DART. Commuters to Fort Worth can benefit in particular by taking the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), which is stationed downtown for centralized convenience. Check out specific transportation cost differences below.

Cost of Goods & Services in Dallas

Costs for goods and services in Dallas vary—but ultimately depends on your lifestyle preferences. Prices for items like toothpaste, shampoo, and wine are in line with the U.S. average, whereas costs for services including haircuts, beauty salon visits, and movie tickets are higher than the national average. In fact, professional hair and beauty in Dallas see a collective average of 45% more expensive costs than most of the U.S. See costs for various goods and services broken down further below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Dallas?

Compared to other major U.S. cities, Dallas is a relatively affordable place to live. In fact, the cost of living in Dallas is just 1% higher than the national average—with lower prices for housing, transportation, and various other goods and services. Fortunately, Dallas is considered one of the best cities for jobs, too, which can help residents better afford and even save while living in Dallas. The city's unemployment rate is below the national average at 3.4%, and the median income per capita is nearly 20% higher than the U.S. average.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dallas?

The salary needed to live comfortably in Dallas depends on your preferred lifestyle, but a single adult with no children typically needs to make around $50,000 annually. This minimum increases for families, with two working adults with two children generally requiring just under $110,000 per year. If this falls outside your range, you might consider researching some of the best suburbs of Dallas to stay closer to your budget.

What are the average monthly expenses in Dallas?

The total average monthly expenses of living in Dallas varies greatly and is dependent on your household's size and lifestyle, as well as where in the city you live. On average, a single adult renting a home can expect to spend between $2,500 and $3,500 per month. If you're on a budget, consider cutting costs in various areas—such as limiting entertainment and nightlife or, if you live near the city center, using transit or taking advantage of the area's walkability.

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