Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Dallas, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.5
- Housing RPP
- 116.3
- Goods RPP
- 102.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,758/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~1.8-2.2% effective rate.
Houston, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 108
- Goods RPP
- 97.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,357/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Houston, TX is cheaper than Dallas, TX by about 4.5% (RPP 103.5 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Dallas, TX
-> $57,275
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Dallas, TX
-> $95,459
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Dallas, TX
-> $143,188
in Houston, TX
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Houston, TX cheaper or more expensive than Dallas, TX?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Dallas, TX (RPP 103.5) by about 4.5%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Dallas, TX?
- You would need approximately $95,459 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Dallas, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 103.5).