🇺🇸 Dallas vs 🇺🇸 Denver
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Dallas
United States
$2,215–$3,508/mo
$2,215 – $3,508 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Denver
United States
$2,462–$3,897/mo
$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)
Denver is 11% more expensive
Dallas wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Dallas (USD) | Denver (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,662–$2,585 | $1,846–$2,872 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $877–$1,385 | $974–$1,538 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Utilities | $69–$134 | $77–$149 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Groceries | $351–$526 | $390–$585 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $46–$83 | $51–$92 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Public transport (monthly) | $88–$106 | $97–$118 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$46 | $31–$51 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Gym membership | $32–$60 | $36–$67 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Dallas |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,215–$3,508 | $2,462–$3,897 | 🟢 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
Housing6.0 / 10 · 4.4 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Denver
Safety9.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Denver
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Dallas
Denver▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Dallas
Denver▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Dallas
Denver▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Denver
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Denver
Internet7.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Dallas
Denver▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Denver
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Jobs
- ✓Airport hub
- ✓Corporate relocations
Choose Denver if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Denver offers vs Dallas
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Sun
- ✓Young workforce
- ✓Outdoor industry
You might also like…
📊
Full Dallas guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dallas →📊
Full Denver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Denver →