Performance
Score Breakdown
Starkville
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% higher compared to Starkville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Starkville's average rent is
27% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Starkville | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,412 | +27% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $281 | -36% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $135 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,404 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Starkville offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Starkville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Starkville is estimated at
$55,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Starkville | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $42,125 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Starkville runs warmer on average — a 65.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Starkville comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Starkville sees 2.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Starkville | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 65.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 37.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 49.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 2.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Starkville | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 29.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dallas 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 | Starkville | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,753 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 26.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Starkville
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with an index of 95, making it slightly less expensive than the national average.
Strong educational environment and cultural vibrancy driven by Mississippi State University.
Low violent crime rate, making it one of the safer cities in the nation in this regard.
Friendly community atmosphere and Southern hospitality, contributing to a welcoming environment.
Significant economic contribution from tourism, with nearly $200 million in visitor spending in 2024.
Drawbacks
High car dependency for most transportation needs, with a walkability score of 29.
Job market heavily reliant on the university and specific industries like education and manufacturing.
Limited public transportation options outside of university routes.
OCH Regional Medical Center has received mixed ratings, with an overall CMS rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
Median rent is approximately $1,800 per month, which can be a significant cost for some residents.
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.
Starkville
#28Mississippi, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
29.0/10
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
65.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
6.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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