- Article By:
- Wan Bridge
- September 30, 2026
- Cost of Living in Dallas, TX: 2026 Budget, Bills & Salary Guide
Dallas is more affordable than many newcomers expect. The overall cost of living in Dallas, TX, sits 1.5% below the national average, housing is more than 10% cheaper, and transportation costs are the lowest of Texas’s big three metros. Utilities are the one bill that runs high. Use this Wan Bridge guide to help breakdown everyday costs and plan your budget.
For anyone considering the Lone Star State, information on the cost of living in Dallas, TX is very useful to have on hand – and an essential component of any well-planned budget.
Dallas cost of living at a glance (2026):
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- Overall cost of living: 1.5% below the national average
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- Housing costs: 10.8% below the national average
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- Average apartment rent: $1,592; one-bedroom: $1,416
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- Average rent for a single-family house: $2,485
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- DFW median home price: $390,000
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- Salary needed to rent: $56,640 (one-bedroom) or $99,400 (single-family house)
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- Median household income: $70,518
In Dallas, you can find a fabulous balance of big-city living and small-town charm, with plenty of Southern-style hospitality, top-rated restaurants and shopping, and great opportunities.
When you discover everything this Texas city has to offer, it’s no wonder that it’s become one of the most desirable places to live in the region.
Learn everything about what to expect when moving to Dallas.
Why Dallas Stays Affordable
In Dallas, you can find a fabulous balance of big-city living and small-town charm, with plenty of Southern-style hospitality, top-rated restaurants and shopping, and great opportunities. When you discover everything this Texas city has to offer, it’s no wonder that it’s become one of the most desirable places to live in the region.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to live in Dallas, including the average costs for housing, food, utilities, and other necessities.
If you’re still deciding whether to relocate, start with our Moving to Dallas guide.
What is the Average Cost of Living in Dallas, TX?
In Dallas, the average cost of living is about 1.5% below the national average (C2ER data via Houston Facts 2026). Dallas is also remarkably affordable compared to the average cost of living in other major cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, or Boston.
| Category | Dallas index | vs. national average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.5 | 1.5% lower |
| Groceries | 98.2 | 1.8% lower |
| Housing | 89.2 | 10.8% lower |
| Utilities | 113.3 | 13.3% higher |
| Transportation | 88.9 | 11.1% lower |
| Healthcare | 101.6 | 1.6% higher |
| Goods and services | 105.1 | 5.1% higher |
One of the most significant benefits of Dallas is the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of neighborhoods, with options that range from ultra-affordable to high-end. Depending on your priorities, budget, and ideal lifestyle, you can easily find a community that checks all the right boxes.
Calculating the average cost of living in Dallas means taking a closer look at basic expenses, including:
- Housing
- Food
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Goods and services
- Taxes
These numbers help you figure out what to expect and how to budget for life in Dallas.
Housing Costs in Dallas
The Dallas housing market has cooled from its red-hot peak, giving buyers and renters more breathing room.
People are still moving here, though: U-Haul named Texas the No. 1 growth state for 2025 (InsideNoVA), and United Van Lines’ 2025 study found Texas moves in and out were balanced for the first time in more than a decade (United Van Lines).
Overall, the cost of housing in Dallas is about 10.8% below the national average (C2ER). Renters typically budget about $1,592 a month for an apartment and about $2,485 for a single-family house.
For rent by bedroom count, neighborhood, suburb and home type, see our complete guide to the average rent in Dallas, TX. To compare areas by lifestyle, browse the best neighborhoods in Dallas.
Dallas Home Prices
The median home price across Dallas–Fort Worth is about $390,000, flat compared with last year, and about $369,000 in Dallas County, down 1% (MetroTex, August 2026).
What does this mean for prospective new Dallas residents?
For many, it might be far more accessible – and more financially sound – to consider looking at homes for rent in Dallas rather than trying to purchase something.
Food Costs in Dallas
Dallas is a foodie’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to spend big just to enjoy the delicious options. In Dallas, grocery costs are about 1.8% below the national average (C2ER).
Balancing restaurant dining with home-cooked meals makes for an easily managed food budget for most people.
Prices of Groceries in Dallas
When you’re grocery shopping in Dallas, the food prices of basic staples won’t leave you pinching pennies (Numbeo, September 2026):
- A half-gallon of milk: about $1.89
- A dozen eggs: $4.80
- A pound of beef round: $8.38
You can also shop at Dallas farmers’ markets, gourmet or specialty stores, or big-box retailers for all your essentials.
Prices When Dining Out in Dallas
Of course, you won’t want to miss out on the first-class dining scene in Dallas – and luckily, you can find top-rated options to fit any budget. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant runs about $21.75, and dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $95 (Numbeo, September 2026).
Grab a Taco Tuesday dinner from a local food truck, or head to a downtown steakhouse for a special meal. Living in Dallas means you’ll always be just minutes away from virtually every type of restaurant you can imagine.
Average Utility Costs in Dallas
Like any city, Dallas utility costs primarily rely on your usage. However, compared to national averages, the prices tend to be higher – about 13.3% higher, to be exact (C2ER).
In general, the average cost of utilities in Dallas is usually the expense that surprises newcomers the most, mainly because of the hot, dry climate of the region.
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage) for a typical apartment average about $214 a month, internet about $68, and a mobile phone plan about $63 (Numbeo, September 2026).
Comparing electricity plans on Texas’s deregulated market can help bring those costs down.
Transportation Costs in Dallas
Before you get discouraged by your future Dallas utility bills, here’s some exciting news: transportation in and around the city is very reasonably priced, which can help offset some of your higher expenses. The average cost of transportation in Dallas is about 11.1% lower than the national average and cheaper than what you’ll pay in other large Texas cities such as Austin and Houston (C2ER).
Dallas residents can take their pick from many modes of transportation, including driving, walking, ride-sharing, or public transit. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) makes public transit a breeze, with a local 3-hour pass for $3, a day pass for $6 and a monthly pass for $126 (WFAA).
As of March 1, 2026, the regional day pass dropped to $9 (DART). Depending on what part of Dallas you live in, it can also be a very walkable city – look for homes near the city center if you’re hoping to explore the area on foot!
Or, if you prefer to drive, you can get an NTTA TollTag to save on toll roads. Gas prices in Texas are usually lower than the national average: in September 2026, Texas averaged $3.93 a gallon compared with $4.44 nationally (AAA Texas).
Healthcare Costs in Dallas
Dallas healthcare costs tend to be about 1.6% higher than the national average (C2ER), though many would argue that the high quality of care makes the expense more than worth it.
Calculating the average cost of healthcare in Dallas (or any city) can be challenging because each person has such individualized needs and preferences.
But whether you require advanced medical care or only the basics of care, you’ll be happy to know that Dallas is well-known for its outstanding healthcare facilities, providers, and hospitals, including UT Southwestern, Baylor Scott & White and Parkland.
Goods and Services Costs in Dallas
Once you estimate your budget for the basic bills, you can plan for the cost of consumer goods and services. This category covers anything not “consumable,” encompassing essential expenses such as pet care, fitness, landscaping, home repairs, and personal care. In Dallas, goods and services cost about 5.1% more than the national average (C2ER).
For example, you can see the latest Hollywood blockbuster for around $15 per movie ticket, and a gym membership averages about $61 a month (Numbeo, September 2026).
Taxes in Dallas
Here’s a major perk of living in Dallas: there’s no state or local personal income tax in the state. No state income taxes means that you’ll pay the standard federal taxes, but you won’t have to worry about Texas state taxes for Social Security benefits, pensions, or any retirement income.
Dallas’s sales tax is 8.25%: 6.25% goes to the state, 1% to the city and 1% to DART (Texas Comptroller). Mark your calendar for the state’s three tax-free weekends. The 2026 dates were April 25–27 for emergency gear, May 23–25 for energy- and water-efficient appliances, and August 7–9 for back-to-school purchases (Avalara, January 2026).
Dallas property taxes are somewhat high. The average effective property tax rate in Texas is about 1.40%, compared with roughly 0.90% nationally (Tax Foundation 2026 data via USPropertyStats). However, if you’re opting for one of the many great Dallas rental homes, you won’t have to worry about that.
How Much Do You Need to Earn in Dallas?
No matter where you live, most financial experts say that no more than 30% of your annual income should be spent on housing. With an average Dallas one-bedroom at about $1,416 a month ($16,992 a year), a single renter should ideally earn at least $56,640 per year. Households renting a single-family home should plan on closer to $99,400.
You can use an online cost of living calculator for a more in-depth assessment of income vs. expenses in Dallas if you’d like.
Here’s some more excellent news: Dallas is one of the country’s strongest job markets.
It led the 20 largest U.S. metros in job growth from 2005 to 2025, adding 51.7% more jobs (Houston Facts 2026), and the Dallas Fed expects Texas to add about 173,600 jobs in 2026 (Dallas Fed, September 2026). So, if you’re debating making a move, your job opportunities will be plentiful.
The median household income in Dallas is about $70,518, a bit below the Texas median of $78,476 and the U.S. median of $80,734. Per capita income, however, it is $45,811 above the national figure of $44,673 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 ACS).
Dallas Cost of Living FAQs
Is Dallas expensive to live in 2026?
No. Dallas’s overall cost of living is about 1.5% below the national average, and housing is 10.8% below average (C2ER). Utilities are the main category that runs higher, at about 13.3% above average.
How much do you need to earn to live in Dallas?
A single person needs about $56,640 a year to keep an average Dallas one-bedroom ($1,416 a month) at 30% of income (RentCafe, August 2026).
What is the median household income in Dallas?
The median household income in Dallas is $70,518, below the Texas median of $78,476 and the U.S. median of $80,734 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 ACS).
How much does DART cost?
A local DART 3-hour pass is $3, a day pass is $6 and a monthly pass is $126. The regional day pass dropped to $9 on March 1, 2026.
What is the sales tax in Dallas?
Dallas sales tax is 8.25%: 6.25% to the state, 1% to the city and 1% to DART. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Dallas cheaper than Austin?
Dallas and Austin are close. Dallas’s cost of living index is 98.5 and Austin’s is 97.3 (C2ER, 100 = national average)(RentCafe, 2026).
- Average rent in Dallas, TX – rent by bedroom, neighborhood, suburb and home type
- Moving to Dallas – jobs, neighborhoods, schools and what to know before you relocate
- Dallas vs. Houston – side-by-side comparison of cost, jobs and lifestyle
- Best suburbs of Dallas, TX
Ready to Find Your Next Home in Dallas, TX?
Dallas is a vibrant, exciting city and a wonderful place for young professionals, families, and even retirees to call home. And with its outstanding growth potential, Dallas has a very bright future.
Explore some of the top rental home communities in Texas and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area to discover the dream lifestyle that awaits you in a built-to-rent home by Wan Bridge.
If you’d like to learn more about what makes our Dallas rental houses unique or get more details about a specific build-to-rent community, contact us today!
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