Dallas vs Seattle
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 56% less expensive than Seattle.

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

Seattle, WA

COL index150
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$2,200/mo
Median home price$780K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDallas indexSeattle indexDifference
Housing125 ✓198+73%
Groceries91 ✓141+50%
Transportation92 ✓140+48%
Healthcare93 ✓145+52%
Utilities93 ✓135+42%

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

Salary equivalency: Dallas → Seattle

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

Salary in DallasEquivalent in SeattleDifference
$60,000$94,000+$34,000
$80,000$125,000+$45,000
$100,000$156,000+$56,000
$130,000$203,000+$73,000
$150,000$234,000+$84,000
$200,000$313,000+$113,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 150 for Seattle — a difference of approximately 56%.

State income tax impact

Both Texas and Washington 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 $780,000 in Seattle. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,380/month in Dallas versus $2,200/month in Seattle.

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