Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX

Houston is moderately more affordable than Dallas, with a 7.5% lower cost of living index. Dallas scores 103 compared to 96 for Houston, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Dallas can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month compared to $1,313/month in Houston — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Houston is more affordable at $253,400 median vs $295,300.

Median household income in Dallas is $67,760 compared to $62,894 in Houston (+7.7%). While Dallas is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dallas spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Houston.