What is the cost of living in Dallas, TX?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Dallas has an overall cost of living index of 106, which is 1.1x higher than the national index of 100.
Compared to Texas, Dallas has a cost of living index that's 1.1x higher than Texas's index of 93.
The standard of living in Dallas ranks as #298 most affordable out of the 419 places we measured in Texas. By definition, that implies Dallas ranks as the #121 most expensive place in the Lone Star State.
For more reading on life in Dallas, check out:
Dallas Cost Of Living Vs. Texas
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Dallas. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Dallas is 102.
The Groceries index in Dallas is 103.
The Health index in Dallas is 115.
The Housing index in Dallas is 106.
The Transportation index in Dallas is 108.
The Utilities index in Dallas is 104.
| Living Expense | Dallas | Texas | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 106 | 93 | 100 |
| Services | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 99 | 100 |
| Health | 115 | 81 | 100 |
| Housing | 106 | 97 | 100 |
| Transportation | 108 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 100 | 100 |
Dallas Cost Of Living Compared To Texas Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Texas, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Dallas Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Dallas, TX Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Texas, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Dallas is $309,420.
The Median Rent in Dallas is $1,472.
The Median Income in Dallas is $70,518.
The Home Value To Income in Dallas is 4.4x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Dallas is 0.25x.
Dallas, TX Costs By Category
Detailed Dallas Services costs vs. Texas
Detailed Dallas Groceries costs vs. Texas
Detailed Dallas Health costs vs. Texas
Detailed Dallas Transportation costs vs. Texas
Dallas SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Dallas
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Dallas. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Plano, TX has a cost of living index of 120, 1.1x Dallas.
Garland, TX has a cost of living index of 100, 0.9x Dallas.
Mesquite, TX has a cost of living index of 99, 0.9x Dallas.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Dallas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plano, TX | 290,594 | 120 | 1.1x |
| Garland, TX | 246,844 | 100 | 0.9x |
| Mesquite, TX | 149,299 | 99 | 0.9x |
| Carrollton, TX | 133,740 | 113 | 1.1x |
| Richardson, TX | 118,731 | 116 | 1.1x |
| Rowlett, TX | 65,463 | 111 | 1.0x |
| Euless, TX | 60,421 | 106 | 1.0x |
| Coppell, TX | 42,154 | 132 | 1.2x |
| Farmers Branch, TX | 36,645 | 106 | 1.0x |
| Sachse, TX | 30,491 | 112 | 1.1x |
