Moving from Austin to Dallas (2026)
Dallas has a COL index of 99 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Dallas to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Dallas |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,459 |
| $50K | $40,574 |
| $60K | $48,689 |
| $75K | $60,861 |
| $80K | $64,918 |
| $100K | $81,148 |
| $120K | $97,377 |
| $150K | $121,721 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Dallas
| Expense | Austin | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $50 | $96 |
| Utilities | $170 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,549 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $265 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dallas cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Dallas has a cost of living index of 99 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Dallas?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Dallas saves roughly $300/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,600/year.
What salary do I need in Dallas to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $60,861/year in Dallas. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only