🇺🇸 Dallas vs 🇺🇸 Houston

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Dallas

United States

$2,215–$3,508/mo

$2,215 – $3,508 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Houston

United States

$2,154–$3,410/mo

$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)

Dallas is 3% more expensive

Houston wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDallas (USD)Houston (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,615–$2,513🟢 Houston
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$853–$1,346🟢 Houston
Utilities$69–$134$67–$130🟢 Houston
Groceries$351–$526$341–$512🟢 Houston
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$45–$81🟢 Houston
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$85–$103🟢 Houston
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$27–$45🟢 Houston
Gym membership$32–$60$31–$58🟢 Houston
Cinema ticket$13–$17$13–$16🟢 Houston
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,154–$3,410🟢 Houston

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 · 5.1 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Houston
Safety9.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Houston
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Dallas
Houston▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Dallas
Houston▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Dallas
Houston▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Houston
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Houston
Internet7.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Dallas
Houston▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Dallas if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Dallas offers vs Houston
  • ✓No state income tax
  • ✓Jobs
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Corporate relocations

Choose Houston if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dallas
  • ✓Affordable housing
  • ✓Diversity
  • ✓Energy jobs
  • ✓Energy sector

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Full Dallas guide

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Full Houston guide

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Explore Houston →