Dallas vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 69% less expensive than Boston. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Massachusetts's 5%.

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

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5%
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDallas indexBoston indexDifference
Housing125 ✓214+89%
Groceries91 ✓152+61%
Transportation92 ✓151+59%
Healthcare93 ✓156+63%
Utilities93 ✓144+51%

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

Salary equivalency: Dallas → Boston

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

Salary in DallasEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$109,000+$49,000
$80,000$145,000+$65,000
$100,000$182,000+$82,000
$130,000$236,000+$106,000
$150,000$272,000+$122,000
$200,000$363,000+$163,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 69%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas workers an immediate 5% take-home pay advantage over Boston workers who pay Massachusetts's 5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Dallas is $340,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,380/month in Dallas versus $2,900/month in Boston.

Dallas vs Houston →Dallas vs San Antonio →Dallas vs Austin →Dallas vs Fort Worth →Dallas vs El Paso →Dallas vs Arlington →