Dallas vs Austin
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 15% less expensive than Austin.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Dallas, TX

COL index96 ✓
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$1,380/mo ✓
Median home price$340K ✓
VS

Austin, TX

COL index110
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$520K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDallas indexAustin indexDifference
Housing125 ✓144+19%
Groceries91 ✓104+13%
Transportation92 ✓105+13%
Healthcare93 ✓107+14%
Utilities93 ✓104+11%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Dallas → Austin

What salary in Austin gives you the same purchasing power as your Dallas salary?

Salary in DallasEquivalent in AustinDifference
$60,000$69,000+$9,000
$80,000$92,000+$12,000
$100,000$115,000+$15,000
$130,000$149,000+$19,000
$150,000$172,000+$22,000
$200,000$229,000+$29,000

Dallas vs Austin: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 110 for Austin — a difference of approximately 15%.

State income tax impact

Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax, so that factor is neutral in this comparison.

Housing costs

The median home price in Dallas is $340,000, compared to $520,000 in Austin. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,380/month in Dallas versus $1,650/month in Austin.

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