The Verdict
Living in Austin is 10% more expensive than Dallas.
If you move from Austin to Dallas, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about $63,462 in Dallas.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Dallas:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Dallas | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,100 | $1,750 | $-350 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $383 | $-13 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $298 | $287 | $-11 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $137 | +$7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $210 | $196 | $-14 |
| Total Monthly | $3,134 | $2,752 | $-382 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,500/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (10% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Dallas to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Dallas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,308 | $7,692 less |
| $75,000 | $63,462 | $11,538 less |
| $100,000 | $84,615 | $15,385 less |
| $125,000 | $105,769 | $19,231 less |
| $150,000 | $126,923 | $23,077 less |
| $200,000 | $169,231 | $30,769 less |
Austin vs Dallas: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Dallas is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 60, while Dallas has 50.
Average Salaries: Austin: $4,500/month vs Dallas: $4,000/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 1, while Dallas wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.