Dallas vs Austin: Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Which city offers more for your money? We compare rent, taxes, daily costs, and livability between Dallas and Austin to help you decide.
Dallas, TX
Affordability Rating
Tight$1,750/mo on $70K
Austin, TX
Affordability Rating
Tight$1,750/mo on $70K
Cost of Living Side-by-Side
| Category | Dallas | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR Rent | $1,789 | $1,504 |
| Avg 2BR Rent | $1,974 | $1,918 |
| Utilities | $251 | $184 |
| Groceries | $313 | $373 |
| Transportation | $482 | $902 |
| Healthcare | $313 | $277 |
| State Income Tax | None | None |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| Median Income | $70,518 | $93,658 |
Green = better value for that category. Data reflects 2026 estimates.
Take-Home Pay Comparison by Salary
| Salary | Dallas Take-Home | Austin Take-Home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50k | $3,524 | $3,524 | $0 |
| $60k | $4,194 | $4,194 | $0 |
| $70k | $4,804 | $4,804 | $0 |
| $80k | $5,390 | $5,390 | $0 |
| $90k | $5,976 | $5,976 | $0 |
| $100k | $6,563 | $6,563 | $0 |
Lifestyle Comparison
Dallas
Dallas blends Southern hospitality with big-city energy. Expect wide highways, sprawling suburbs, and a surprisingly diverse food scene from Tex-Mex to Korean BBQ.
Most residents drive—DART light rail covers some areas, but a car is practically essential in the DFW metroplex.
Austin
Austin is where tech meets tacos. The city pulses with live music, craft breweries, and a culture that values creativity and outdoor living along Lady Bird Lake.
Traffic on I-35 is infamous. Many tech workers commute from suburbs, and remote work has become the unofficial solution to Austin gridlock.