Living in Dallas in 2025 presents a unique financial picture. With a Cost of Living Index of 101.5 (where 100 is the national average), it is considered more expensive than the typical US city. Dallas offers a strong corporate job market with no state income tax and reasonable housing costs compared to other major metros. This guide breaks down the real costs of housing, food, and transportation to help you decide if Dallas is right for your budget.
Cost of Living in Dallas, TX (2025 Edition)
Big City Life, Affordable Budget
Data Verified: Jan 2026 • IRS • BLS • Zillow
Interactive Lifestyle Calculator
Adjust the numbers below to match your actual situation in Dallas.
Lifestyle & Salary AdjusterDefaults
$
Estimated Monthly Net$5,200
Tax Rate
17% (Fed + Dallas State)
TightBalancedWealthy
Thriving (Score: 100)
ExcellentYou have plenty of room for savings and fun!
Monthly Costs for Dallas
$
$
$
$
Needs Ratio
44%
Basics vs Net Income.
Goal: <50%
Leftover / Mo
$2,720
For Savings, Debts, Fun.
Try to invest this!
What do these numbers mean?
- Needs Ratio: Percentage of your net pay going to essentials. Lower is better.
- Leftover: Your "Freedom Money". This is what you have for lifestyle, travel, and building wealth.
Want to see how other salaries compare?Scroll Down for Benchmarks & City Comparisons
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See Detailed Salary Breakdowns for Dallas
🏛️ The Tax Bite
Taxes play a huge role in your take-home pay. One of the massive perks of Dallas is the 0% State Income Tax. Fortunately, there is no verified local city income tax levied directly on employees in Dallas, simplifying your paycheck calculations slightly.
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Expense Breakdown (Monthly)
Median Rent (1bd)
$1,650
Groceries
$340
Utilities
$190
Transport
$110
🏠 Housing Reality
Housing is rightfully the biggest concern for newcomers. The median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dallas currently hovers around $1,650/month. For families or those needing more space, a 3-bedroom unit jumps to approximately $2,800.
To put this in perspective, you would need a net monthly income of roughly $4,950 to adhere to the standard "30% rule" for housing affordability.
🛒 Daily Expenses & Transport
Beyond rent, daily expenses in Dallas add up. Expect to budget around $340 monthly for groceries per person, and $190 for basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, garbage).
Transportation costs, estimated at $110, can vary significantly depending on whether you rely on public transit or own a vehicle. Transit costs are relatively moderate compared to other major metros.
Compare with Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas expensive to live in?
Yes, with a Cost of Living index of 101.5, Dallas is higher than the national average.Housing is the primary driver of these costs.
What is a good salary in Dallas?
To live comfortably in a 1-bedroom apartment (following the 50/30/20 rule), a single person should aim for a gross salary of at least $59000. Families or those wanting to save aggressively may need significantly more.