City Comparison
Waikanae vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Waikanae scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Waikanae
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Waikanae is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Dallas.
| Metric | Waikanae | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,412 | +3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $160 | $281 | -43% |
| Transport | $150 | $126 | +19% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $135 | +48% |
| Monthly Total | $2,380 | $2,404 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Waikanae is estimated at
$48,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Waikanae | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,061 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Waikanae runs warmer on average — a 56.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Waikanae comes out ahead with 185 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Waikanae sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Waikanae | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 54.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 55.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 71.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 185 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Dallas has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,500 minutes (158 hours) per year compared to Waikanae.
Waikanae scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Waikanae leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Waikanae | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Waikanae 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 | Waikanae | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,500 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 52.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Waikanae
Advantages
Direct commuter rail connection to Wellington via the Kāpiti Line
Proximity to pristine beaches and the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Strong community safety profile and low local crime rates
Vibrant local arts, café culture, and active community groups
Exceptional environment for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts
Drawbacks
Higher housing costs driven by strong demand from retirees and commuters
Limited local high-tech or heavy industrial employment sectors
Reliance on neighboring towns for specialized hospital care
Traffic congestion along State Highway 1 during peak holiday periods
Public transit options outside of the main rail line are limited
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.
Waikanae
#39Wellington, New Zealand
61.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
45 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
185/yr
Avg Temp
56.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
82
Business
64
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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