Phoenix vs Dallas
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 4% more affordable than Phoenix. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Arizona's 2.5%.

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At a glance

Phoenix, AZ

COL index100
State income tax2.5%
Avg 1BR rent$1,450/mo
Median home price$395K
VS

Dallas, TX

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryPhoenix indexDallas indexDifference
Housing130125 ✓-5%
Groceries9591 ✓-4%
Transportation9692 ✓-4%
Healthcare9793 ✓-4%
Utilities9693 ✓-3%

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

Salary equivalency: Phoenix → Dallas

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

Salary in PhoenixEquivalent in DallasDifference
$60,000$56,000$-4,000
$80,000$74,000$-6,000
$100,000$93,000$-7,000
$130,000$120,000$-10,000
$150,000$139,000$-11,000
$200,000$185,000$-15,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and Dallas, TX, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 100 for Phoenix — a difference of approximately 4%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas workers an immediate 2.5% take-home pay advantage over Phoenix workers who pay Arizona's 2.5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Phoenix is $395,000, compared to $340,000 in Dallas. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,450/month in Phoenix versus $1,380/month in Dallas.

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