🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Dallas
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Dallas
United States
$2,215–$3,508/mo
$2,215 – $3,508 / month (local)
Austin is 14% more expensive
Dallas wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Dallas (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 Dallas |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 6.0 / 10
Austin
Dallas▲ better
Safety9.1 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Austin
Dallas▲ better
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Austin▲ better
Dallas
Education8.7 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Austin▲ better
Dallas
Environment9.5 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Dallas
Economy7.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin
Dallas▲ better
Culture8.4 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Austin
Dallas▲ better
Internet8.8 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
Dallas
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Austin offers vs Dallas
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Austin
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Jobs
- ✓Airport hub
- ✓Corporate relocations
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📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Dallas guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dallas →