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Side-by-side comparison

Dallas vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for Dallas, Texas and Austin, Texas.

Bottom line

Austin is approximately 5% more expensive than Dallas. A single person needs about $3,706/mo in Austin versus $3,534/mo in Dallas.

Rent in Dallas vs Austin

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Dallas · Studio
$1,531
Austin · Studio
$1,549
Austin is $18 (1%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · 1 bedroom
$1,606
Austin · 1 bedroom
$1,650
Austin is $44 (3%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · 2 bedroom
$1,884
Austin · 2 bedroom
$1,949
Austin is $65 (3%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · 3 bedroom
$2,361
Austin · 3 bedroom
$2,484
Austin is $123 (5%) higher than Dallas

Income & earnings in Dallas vs Austin

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Dallas · Household income
$74,149
Austin · Household income
$97,169
Austin is $23,020 (31%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · Individual earnings
$43,051
Austin · Individual earnings
$55,186
Austin is $12,135 (28%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · Per capita
$41,272
Austin · Per capita
$59,289
Austin is $18,017 (44%) higher than Dallas

Home values in Dallas vs Austin

Average values and property tax.

Dallas · Average home value
$277,900
Austin · Average home value
$487,600
Austin is $209,700 (75%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · Annual property tax
$4,668
Austin · Annual property tax
$7,487
Austin is $2,819 (60%) higher than Dallas

Energy in Dallas vs Austin

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Dallas · Monthly electricity
$167
Austin · Monthly electricity
$167
Dallas and Austin are about the same
Dallas · Monthly gas
$32
Austin · Monthly gas
$32
Dallas and Austin are about the same
Dallas · Annual total
$2,388
Austin · Annual total
$2,388
Dallas and Austin are about the same

Healthcare in Dallas vs Austin

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Dallas · Individual premium
$480
Austin · Individual premium
$480
Dallas and Austin are about the same
Dallas · Family premium
$1,350
Austin · Family premium
$1,350
Dallas and Austin are about the same
Dallas · Uninsured rate
21.6%
Austin · Uninsured rate
12.2%
Dallas is 9.4% (77%) higher than Austin

Taxes in Dallas vs Austin

State income and sales tax.

Dallas · State income tax
0.0%
Austin · State income tax
0.0%
Dallas and Austin are about the same
Dallas · State sales tax
6.3%
Austin · State sales tax
6.3%
Dallas and Austin are about the same
Dallas · Combined sales tax
8.2%
Austin · Combined sales tax
8.2%
Dallas and Austin are about the same

Transportation in Dallas vs Austin

Commute time and travel modes.

Dallas · Average commute
27.2 min
Austin · Average commute
25.4 min
Dallas is 1.8 min (7%) higher than Austin
Dallas · Drive alone
70.4%
Austin · Drive alone
59.7%
Dallas is 10.7% (18%) higher than Austin
Dallas · Public transit
1.6%
Austin · Public transit
1.7%
Austin is 0.1% (6%) higher than Dallas

Monthly cost estimates in Dallas vs Austin

All categories combined.

Dallas · Single person
$3,534
Austin · Single person
$3,706
Austin is $172 (5%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · Couple
$4,909
Austin · Couple
$5,280
Austin is $371 (8%) higher than Dallas
Dallas · Family
$7,528
Austin · Family
$7,957
Austin is $429 (6%) higher than Dallas

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Dallas and Austin.

Is Dallas or Austin more expensive?

Austin is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,534/mo in Dallas, Texas and $3,706/mo in Austin, Texas, a difference of about 5%.

What is the rent difference between Dallas and Austin?

Average one-bedroom rent in Dallas, Texas is $1,606/mo versus $1,650/mo in Austin, Texas. Austin is approximately $44 (3%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Dallas or Austin?

Austin has the higher average household income. Dallas households earn approximately $74,149 per year; Austin households earn approximately $97,169 per year.

More on Dallas and Austin

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.