Assessing the cost of living in Dallas, Texas, is a must if you’re considering a move here. Whether you’re ready to downsize, live closer to loved ones, or just looking for a place with a milder climate, Dallas has a lot to offer. Before picking out the perfect home for your next life chapter here, let’s uncover Dallas living expenses—from housing to health care and everything in between.

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Dallas, Texas

• Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Dallas

• Other Living Expenses in Dallas, Texas

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Dallas

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Dallas

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Dallas

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Dallas

  • Tax Rates in the Dallas Area

  • Recreation Costs in Dallas, Texas

• Average Salary in Dallas

• Average Cost to Build a New Home in Dallas by Neighborhood

• Conclusion

Cost of Living in Dallas, Texas

Compared to other major cities, the average cost of living in Dallas, TX, is quite reasonable. According to RentCafe®, the cost to live in Dallas is 2% higher than the national average and 11% greater than the state average as of September 2024. In this dynamic city, you’ll find a good balance between affordable living and access to all the amenities you need to maintain the active lifestyle you love. 

The cost of living in Dallas for a single person requires an hourly wage of $22.06 to live comfortably, per the Living Wage Calculator from MIT® in February 2024. For a household of two adults with no children and only one person working, an hourly wage of $29.83 is needed. If both adults are working, each would require $14.91 per hour.

Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Dallas

Home prices in Dallas vary depending on the neighborhood, but they’re generally more affordable than in cities like San Francisco or New York. Redfin® finds the median home sale price to be $392K as of August 2024.

If you’re a renter, you’ll find numerous options, from modern apartments in the heart of the city to cozy homes in the suburbs. As of September 2024, the typical monthly rent in Dallas, TX, for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,403, according to Apartments.com®. A two-bedroom is typically around $1,863, and a three-bedroom apartment can run upwards of $2,259 monthly.

Other Living Expenses in Dallas, Texas

Beyond housing, you should also factor essentials like groceries, transportation, and entertainment into your Dallas, TX, living costs. Let’s take a look at each of those categories, along with a few more everyday Dallas living expenses. 

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Dallas

As of September 2024, food costs are on par with the national average, according to RentCafe, so stocking up on necessities (and your favorites) won’t clean out your wallet. A household of two adults spends around $7.1K per year on groceries, according to MIT. 

If you’re a food lover and don’t feel like cooking, dining out in Dallas is a dream, where you’ll enjoy access to everything from gourmet markets to mom-and-pop diners. The city’s restaurant scene is packed with options. Enjoy a burger and fries at Shake Shack® for about $10–20, or splurge for a night of fine dining at Ocean Prime, which averages $100 per person. In Dallas, there’s something tasty for every budget.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Dallas

If you’re doing most of the driving, you’ll be happy to know transportation costs are 11% below the national average, per RentCafe. AAA® reports that as of September 2024, gas costs an average of $2.85 for one gallon of regular unleaded. 

If you prefer public transportation, the DART® (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system can get you where you need to go, with fares ranging from $1 per day to over $1K annually.

Overall, MIT finds a household of two adults should expect to spend about $10.9K per year on transportation, whether by car, bus, or the occasional Uber.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Dallas

Caring for your health is crucial, especially as we age. Dallas has a quality healthcare system, and households with two adults and no children typically spend about $7.1K annually on medical expenses, per MIT.

Depending on the provider and the plan, average monthly premiums for health insurance in Dallas can range from $314 to $453, reports MoneyGeek® as of September 2024.

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Dallas

Utilities in Dallas are 12% higher than the national average, reports RentCafe. The average monthly energy bill tends to run around $225 (blame the Texas heat!), and phone bills average about $207 per month. Given these expenses are vital factors in the cost of living in Dallas per month, MIT finds that for a household of two adults, internet and mobile costs average about $2K annually. 

Tax Rates in the Dallas Area

While Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, there is a state sales tax. As of 2024, the total sales tax rate for Dallas, Texas, is 8.25% per Avalara®. This rate combines the Texas state sales tax of 6.25% with an additional 1% city sales tax and 1% Dallas transit sales and use tax of 1%.

Property taxes for 2024 in Dallas are on the higher side, according to SmartAsset®. The property tax rate in Dallas County is 2.2%, with homeowners paying an average of $4.3K annually.

Recreation Costs in Dallas, Texas

One of the best things about a big city like Dallas is the many attractions and activities. Whether it’s golfing, hiking, or checking out the local arts scene, there are plenty of fun things to do in Dallas for adults. And the best part? Many activities are free or very inexpensive, so you can have fun without spending a fortune: 

• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Enjoy 66 acres of stunning and meticulously curated gardens for $22 or $18 for those 65 and older.

• Dallas Museum of Art: Explore the impressive collection of over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world for free!

• Winspear Opera House: Spend the evening swooning over world-class performances, from opera and ballet to contemporary theater. Ticket prices vary depending on the performance.

• White Rock Lake: Take in the outdoors with walking trails, bird watching, and beautiful scenic views at this popular spot for no cost.

Average Salary in Dallas

The average salary in Dallas is competitive, making it a great place for those who might still be working part-time or considering a second career.

As of September 2024, ZipRecruiter® reports the average yearly salary in Dallas stands at $66,419. This equates to about $31.93 per hour, $1,277 per week, or $5,534 per month. To cover the price of living in Dallas, Texas, comfortably, one adult with no children needs to earn roughly $45,875 annually before taxes, and a household of two adults needs a combined income of $62,041, according to MIT.

Average Cost to Build a New Home in Dallas by Neighborhood

If you’re looking to begin your next life chapter in a brand-new home, you’ll find several wonderful areas in Dallas where you can explore that opportunity. Check out the average cost to build a new home in Dallas in some of these top neighborhoods and suburbs.

Garland

Garland offers a small-town feel with easy access to Dallas. It’s a great spot for those who want a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the big-city action. Building a new home here is more affordable than in some of the trendier areas, with prices ranging from the low $400Ks to the upper $600Ks, according to NewHomeSource® in August 2024. 

Fort Worth

Fort Worth has a unique blend of cowboy culture and modern amenities. Though it’s a bit further from Downtown Dallas, it’s a suburb worth considering if you’re looking for space and a tight-knit community. Home prices for new builds here start in the upper $200Ks and range up to the mid $700Ks, per NewHomeSource.

McKinney

McKinney is known for its historic downtown and friendly vibe. It’s a rapidly growing area in North Dallas, with new construction houses on NewHomeSource ranging from the high $200Ks to the upper $1.1M. Browse the new homes in our 55+ communities in McKinney, TX.

Celina

Celina is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a bit more rural, but new homes here come with plenty of space and fresh air, starting in the upper $300Ks and ranging all the way up to the high $1.2M, per NewHomeSource. Our over-55 communities in Celina, TX, offer new homes that start in the upper $300Ks.

Conclusion

Dallas is a fantastic place to call home, especially if you’re looking for a mix of exciting city life and serene suburban living. With reasonable living costs and abundant recreational options, it’s no wonder so many folks are making the move to this bustling Texas city. Discover all the delights Dallas has to offer and see where your next adventure could take you.

Explore active adult communities in Dallas, TX, today or browse more Del Webb® blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 3/5/25