Cost of Living in Dallas, United States
United States · North America
$2,950
Monthly Cost
avg/person
76
Cost Index
NYC=100
74
Rent Index
NYC=100
66
Quality of Life
Good
46
Safety Index
Below Average
1.3M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $15 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $65 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $6 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.1 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $10 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $96 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.94 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $145 |
| Mobile Plan | $60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $70 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,300/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,100/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,700/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Dallas — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Dallas, United States is approximately $2,950 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Dallas has a cost index of 76, making it around 24% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Dallas costs around $1,200/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,300/month. The rent index is 74 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Dallas scores 66/100 on the quality of life index and 46/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 70/100. The climate index is 64/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Dallas is approximately $5,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 86/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Dallas
The average monthly salary in Dallas is approximately $5,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,950, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 86/100.
Healthcare Costs in Dallas
Healthcare quality in Dallas is rated 70/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Dallas
Dallas has a quality of life score of 66/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Dallas
Students living in Dallas should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Dallas
Expats moving to Dallas often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Dallas, United States is approximately $2,950 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 76 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Dallas
Living in Dallas offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 76 and a quality of life score of 66/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $5,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Dallas provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Dallas
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,950
- Cost Index: 76
- Rent Index: 74
- Average Salary: $5,000
- Quality of Life: 66/100
- Safety Score: 46/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Dallas Expensive?
Dallas has a cost index of 76 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Dallas compare to other cities?
Dallas is located in North America with a population of approximately 1.3M. At a cost index of 76 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Dallas stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dallas?
The average cost of living in Dallas, United States is approximately $2,950 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 76 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Dallas?
Rent in Dallas varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 74 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Dallas alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Dallas expensive to live in?
Dallas has a cost index of 76 compared to New York City (100). At 76, Dallas is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,950.
What is the quality of life in Dallas?
Dallas has a quality of life index of 66/100 and a safety index of 46/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Dallas compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Dallas with any city worldwide. Dallas's cost index is 76 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Dallas?
Many residents live comfortably in Dallas with a monthly budget of around $2,950 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Dallas good for expats?
Dallas is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Dallas?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,950 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Dallas.
Is Dallas cheaper than New York?
Yes, Dallas has a cost index of 76 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Dallas?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Dallas.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Dallas
Cheapest Ways to Live in Dallas
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Dallas typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,200/month compared to $1,700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Dallas, United States.
Is Dallas Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 86/100 and a quality of life score of 66/100, Dallas is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 76 relative to New York City, Dallas remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Dallas Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Dallas", "Dallas monthly expenses 2026", and "is Dallas affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,950, a safety score of 46/100, and healthcare rated 70/100, Dallas offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026