Performance
Score Breakdown
Dallas
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tampa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
26% higher compared to Dallas.
| Metric | Dallas | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,907 | $1,951 | -2% |
| Groceries | $450 | $418 | +8% |
| Utilities | $224 | $294 | -24% |
| Transport | $780 | $120 | +550% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $92 | +172% |
| Monthly Total | $3,611 | $2,875 | +26% |
| Cost Index | 103 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dallas is estimated at
$73,000 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Dallas | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,419 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $73,000 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,484 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $70,518 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dallas | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tampa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dallas | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 46.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 69.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 3.3x the population of Tampa.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dallas | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,336,440 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.52% | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 33.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime rates, including murders, have seen significant year-over-year decreases in 2024 and 2025, indicating improving safety.
Dallas-Fort Worth is a major economic powerhouse with strong job creation and a diverse range of thriving industries like IT, Financial Services, and Healthcare.
The city was ranked as the No. 1 most affordable city in the world for dining out in 2025, offering excellent culinary experiences at reasonable prices.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has shown strong new business growth, with a 28% increase in new business account applications from 2024 to 2025.
Dallas offers a vibrant cultural scene, extensive entertainment options, and numerous parks and outdoor activities, contributing to a high quality of life.
Drawbacks
Despite improvements in crime rates, police response times remain high, which can be a concern for residents in emergency situations.
Dallas is a car-dependent city with an average walk score of 46, and drivers experience significant traffic congestion, losing an average of 69 hours in traffic in 2024.
Summers in Dallas are characterized by scorching heat and stifling humidity, with average highs reaching 96°F and frequently exceeding 100°F.
While housing is relatively affordable compared to some major U.S. cities, home prices in Dallas saw a decline of 1.52% from December 2024 to December 2025, indicating a cooling market.
Utilities costs in Dallas are notably higher than the national average, impacting overall monthly expenses.
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dallas
#19Texas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,907
Avg Salary
$66,419
Cost Index
103
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
68
Business
80
Tampa
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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