City Cost of Living ReportTexas (TX)
Dallas, TX Cost of Living
Detailed 2026 economic index for Dallas. Compare median home values ($345,000), average monthly rent ($1800/mo), local taxes, groceries, and salary conversion equivalents.
Overall COL Index
101.5
2% above US avgMedian Income$58,200
Median Home Price$345,000
Median Rent$1800/mo
Population1,304,379
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Cost Index Breakdown vs US Average (100)
Scores above 100 represent higher than national average costs; scores below 100 indicate greater affordability.
US Baseline = 100
Housing Index
On average99.8
Food & Groceries
+1% higher101.2
Utilities
+4% higher104
Transportation
+1% higher100.5
Healthcare
-2% lower98
Itemized Cost Breakdown in Dallas
Monthly Groceries
| Gallon of Whole Milk | $3.25 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | $2.75 |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $3.35 |
| Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb) | $3.90 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.10 |
| Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill | $410/mo |
Utilities & Internet
| Electricity (900 sq ft apartment) | $180.00 |
| Water & Garbage Service | $55.00 |
| High-Speed Broadband Internet (60+ Mbps) | $65.00 |
| Natural Gas Heating | $40.00 |
| Average Monthly Utilities Total | $340/mo |
Transportation & Transit
| Regular Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.05 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $96.00 |
| Taxi Initial Tariff | $2.85 |
| Average Commute Time | 27.2 mins |
| Est. Monthly Commuter Cost | $390/mo |
Healthcare & Medical
| Primary Care Doctor Visit | $120 |
| Dental Checkup & Cleaning | $105 |
| Optometrist Eye Exam | $98 |
| Average Prescription Rx | $48 |
| Individual Policy Monthly Premium | $400/mo |
Tax Structure in Dallas, TX
Understanding state income, local sales tax, and effective property tax burden.
State Income Tax
0.00%
No state personal income taxCombined Sales Tax
8.25%
State (6.25%) + Local (2%)Effective Property Tax
2.08%
Est. $7,176/yr on median homeFederal Tax Baseline
US Standard
Standard IRS tax brackets applyAdvertisementSlot #city-mid-rectangle
Interactive Historical Trends & Charts
Housing & Rent Inflation Trend (2020 – 2026)
Category Breakdown vs National Benchmark
Pros of Living in Dallas
- •No state income tax
- •Thriving job market across tech, telecom, and corporate HQs
- •Vibrant sports, arts, and shopping infrastructure
Cons of Living in Dallas
- •Hot summers and humid spells
- •High property tax rates in DFW area
Top Neighborhoods in Dallas
Uptown
Walkable urban neighborhood with Katy Trail access and nightlife
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2100/mo
Deep Ellum
Historic live-music hub with murals and artisan markets
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$1850/mo
Highland Park
Prestigious enclave with lush parks and luxury shopping
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2900/mo
Frequently Asked Questions — Living in Dallas, TX
Authoritative 2026 economic index, housing market, and salary questions.
The overall cost of living index for Dallas, TX is 101.5, benchmarked against the US national average baseline of 100. This means Dallas is 2% more expensive than the national average.