City Comparison
Elizabeth vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elizabeth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabeth
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Elizabeth.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elizabeth's average rent is
36% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,916 | $1,412 | +36% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $281 | -36% |
| Transport | $90 | $126 | -29% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $135 | +70% |
| Monthly Total | $2,816 | $2,404 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elizabeth offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elizabeth delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabeth is estimated at
$55,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $66,555 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elizabeth runs warmer on average — a 54.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elizabeth comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elizabeth sees 19.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Elizabeth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elizabeth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Elizabeth.
From a growth perspective, Elizabeth 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 | Elizabeth | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,675 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.87% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elizabeth
Advantages
Median household income grew by 4.2% to $66,555 per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Exceptional public transit connectivity via NJ Transit rail and bus networks linking directly to New York City.
Strategic economic location adjacent to Newark Liberty International Airport and major port logistics hubs.
Vibrant multicultural community featuring diverse global dining, local markets, and cultural festivals.
Proximity to major higher education institutions, including Kean University located nearby in Union County.
Drawbacks
Poverty rate stands at approximately 15.7%, presenting ongoing socioeconomic challenges for a portion of residents.
High regional property taxes and housing costs typical of the New York metropolitan commuter zone.
Persistent urban traffic congestion along major freight corridors and highway intersections like Routes 1 and 9.
Limited single-family home inventory, leading to a highly competitive housing and rental market.
Industrial density in certain sectors contributes to localized environmental and air quality concerns.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Elizabeth
#468New Jersey, USA
54.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,916
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
54.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.87%
Unemployment
6.10%
Livability
73
Business
69
Dallas
#525Texas, USA
50.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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