The Verdict
Living in Dallas is 27% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Dallas to Seattle, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Dallas, you would need to earn about $111,818 in Seattle.
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 Dallas:
Why people love Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Dallas | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,750 | $2,730 | +$980 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $428 | +$45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $287 | $322 | +$35 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $114 | $-23 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $170 | $-26 |
| Total Monthly | $2,752 | $3,764 | +$1,012 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (27% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 70/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/mo avg)
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 Seattle to match a Dallas salary
| Salary in Dallas | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $74,545 | $24,545 more |
| $75,000 | $111,818 | $36,818 more |
| $100,000 | $149,091 | $49,091 more |
| $125,000 | $186,364 | $61,364 more |
| $150,000 | $223,636 | $73,636 more |
| $200,000 | $298,182 | $98,182 more |
Dallas vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 27%. Dallas is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dallas has a rent index of 50, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: Dallas: $4,000/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Dallas wins 4, while Seattle wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.