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Dallas, Texas

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

51
Overall Score

Dallas, Texas, a vibrant metropolis in North Texas, is a city defined by its rich history, diverse culture, and booming economy. Originally founded in 1841, Dallas has evolved from a trading post into a major inland port and a hub for business and innovation. The city's character is a blend of Southern charm and modern sophistication, attracting individuals and families seeking diverse opportunities and a dynamic lifestyle. People are drawn to Dallas for its robust job market, relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, and a thriving cultural scene that includes world-class arts, dining, and entertainment. The city's strategic location and extensive infrastructure also contribute to its appeal as a place to live and work.

About Texas

Texas, known as the "Lone Star State," is characterized by its vast and diverse landscapes, ranging from eastern forests to western deserts, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Its economy is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States, driven by major industries such as energy (oil, natural gas, and renewables), information technology, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and agriculture. Living in Texas generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing expenses being approximately 16% lower. The climate varies significantly across the state, from humid subtropical in the east to semi-arid in the west, with notoriously hot summers, especially in southern cities, and mild to cool winters. The lifestyle often blends urban amenities with a strong appreciation for outdoor activities, Texan heritage, and a generally pro-business environment.

1,336,440
Population
$61K
Avg Salary
101
Cost Index
50.7
Quality Score
How this 51/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 58 / 100 58.0 30% 17.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 101.0 42.5 25% 10.6
Economy & jobs Median household income: $70,518 Income needed to live here: $96,970 Unemployment rate: 4.3% 35.6 20% 7.1
Growth Population growth rate: 0.52% Job growth rate: 1.6% 45.0 15% 6.8
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 88 / 100 88.0 10% 8.8
Overall score 50.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 3 (deep think), q=91 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 2 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
88
Livability
80
Affordability
48
Growth
85

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dallas is generally on par with the national average, with a cost of living index of 101, indicating it is approximately 1% above the U.S. average. While housing costs are slightly lower than the national average, certain expenses, particularly utilities, tend to be higher. For instance, average monthly utilities are estimated at around $281, driven primarily by higher electricity rates due to cooling demands in the warm climate. Groceries, however, offer some relief, costing residents about 2% less than the national average. These factors combine to create a cost of living that is manageable for many, especially when considering the competitive salaries available in the city.

Average Rent
$1,412/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$126/mo
Utilities
$281/mo
Healthcare
$135/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$120.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$35.00
Monthly groceries
$450.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$135.00

Salary Insights

Dallas boasts a dynamic and growing job market, with the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex experiencing a job growth rate of 1.6% in the three months ending February 2026. Key sectors driving this growth include natural resources and construction, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, trade, transportation, and utilities, and manufacturing. The city is also recognized for its strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th among the world's startup ecosystems in 2026. Dallas is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and is rapidly becoming a tech hub, attracting skilled professionals and fostering innovation. The diverse economy provides resilience and a wide array of opportunities, including a growing remote work scene, making Dallas an attractive destination for career advancement.

The average salary in Dallas is $60,900 per year. You would need approximately $96,970 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing +1.50% Healthcare +2.80% Technology +3.00% Financial Services +2.50% Trade, Transportation, & Utilities +1.80%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Dallas often involves a mix of public transit and personal vehicles. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system provides extensive light rail, bus, and commuter rail services across the city and surrounding areas. A DART monthly pass costs $126, offering a comprehensive option for public transportation. However, Dallas is a sprawling city, and car dependency remains high, with the average commute time estimated at 26 minutes. Traffic congestion is a notable challenge, with the average congestion level in Dallas at 40.6% in 2025. While efforts are being made to improve walkability and bikeability in certain neighborhoods, a car is often necessary for convenient travel throughout the wider metropolitan area.

26 min
Avg Commute
55.00/10
Transit Score
60.00/10
Walkability
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

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.

Questions about Dallas

What people ask about living in and moving to Dallas, Texas.

How safe is Dallas for newcomers? Safety 1 answer

Dallas has a safety score of 58 out of 100, indicating moderate crime levels relative to other U.S. cities. Crime can vary widely between neighborhoods; some areas have lower incident rates while others experience higher levels of property or violent crime. The city’s police department publishes monthly crime statistics and neighborhood safety maps on its official site, which can help you compare specific locations....

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Dallas? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move into a Dallas residence, you’ll need to set up electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water and waste services, as well as internet and cable. The city’s utility providers list contact information and online sign‑up portals on the municipal website. It’s advisable to schedule service activation a few days before your move‑in date to avoid gaps. Some landlords include certain utilities in the rent, so...

What public transit options are available in Dallas? Getting Around 1 answer

Dallas is served by a city transit authority that operates a network of buses and light‑rail lines connecting major districts, suburbs and the airport. The system’s routes are designed to link residential areas with employment centers, shopping districts and cultural venues. You can plan trips using the authority’s online trip planner, which shows real‑time schedules and fare information. For areas not directly on ra...

What free or low‑cost activities are popular in Dallas? Things to Do 1 answer

Dallas offers a variety of affordable attractions, including city parks with trails, public art installations and seasonal festivals that often have free admission. The downtown riverfront area hosts regular outdoor concerts and movie nights during the warmer months. Museums and cultural institutions sometimes provide free entry days or discounted rates for residents, which you can track on their official calendars....

How does the average salary in Dallas compare to the national average? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Dallas reports an average annual salary of $60,900. This figure is slightly above the national average, which hovers around $58,000‑$59,000 in recent years. The city’s strong presence in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare and energy contributes to this modest premium. When evaluating a specific offer, consider the cost‑of‑living index of 101, which means overall expenses are just a touch higher than the...

What should I look for when researching Dallas public schools? Schools & Education 1 answer

Dallas public schools are organized under several independent school districts that each publish performance data, enrollment numbers and program offerings on their websites. When researching, check the district’s accountability reports for test scores, graduation rates and student‑to‑teacher ratios. Look for information on special programs such as gifted education, language immersion or STEM pathways if those are im...

Is Dallas more expensive than other big Texas cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

Dallas has a cost‑of‑living index of 101, which is essentially at the national average. Compared with Austin, which often runs higher than the national average, Dallas is generally a bit cheaper, especially for housing. Houston’s index is also close to the national average, so overall expenses in Dallas are comparable to Houston and slightly lower than Austin. Keep in mind that individual costs such as rent, grocerie...

What’s the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Dallas? Housing 1 answer

In Dallas the average rent across all apartment sizes is about $1,412 per month, according to recent data. One‑bedroom units in central neighborhoods usually sit near that average, though prices can be higher in the most sought‑after districts and lower in outlying areas. When budgeting, also factor in utilities, parking fees and any renter’s insurance. Websites that aggregate rental listings let you filter by price...

Where can I find quality medical care in Dallas? Healthcare 1 answer

Dallas hosts a range of healthcare providers, including large hospital systems, community health centers and private practices. To locate a primary care physician, start with the state medical board’s online directory, which lets you filter by specialty, location and insurance acceptance. For specialists, many hospitals maintain referral networks and publish physician profiles on their websites. Insurance carriers al...

How does Dallas’ climate affect daily life? General 1 answer

Dallas experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild to cool winters where occasional freezes occur. Summer heat can impact outdoor activities and increase energy costs for air conditioning, so many residents invest in window coverings and schedule errands for early morning or evening. Spring and fall are generally pleasant, with moderate tempera...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Dallas? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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