Cost of Living in Dallas 2026: What Newcomers Actually Pay

Dallas is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country — and for good reason. No state income tax. A booming job market anchored by finance, tech, and healthcare. World-class dining. And a cost of living that still undercuts most major coastal cities by a wide margin. If you're planning a relocation, our Dallas moving team can help with white-glove service and professional packing.

But “affordable” is relative. If you’re relocating to Dallas from New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, you’ll feel the difference immediately. If you’re coming from Houston or Austin, the gap is narrower than you might think.

Here’s what things actually cost in DFW in 2026.

Housing — The Biggest Line Item

Housing is where Dallas shines relative to coastal metros — but it’s not cheap. The median home price in Dallas proper is approximately $385,000 as of early 2026. But that number hides enormous variation by neighborhood:

• Highland Park: Median home price ~$1.8M. One of the most prestigious zip codes in Texas. Elite public schools (Highland Park ISD) that are free for residents.
• University Park: Median ~$1.3M. Park Cities charm with walkable neighborhoods and SMU campus nearby.
• Preston Hollow: Median ~$1.1M. Large estate lots, mature trees, close to NorthPark Center.
• Frisco: Median ~$550K. Top-rated Frisco ISD schools, master-planned communities, and rapid growth.
• Prosper movers: Median ~$625K. Newer construction, excellent Prosper ISD schools, rural-meets-luxury feel.
• apartment movers Uptown Dallas: Rent for a 1BR apartment averages $1,800–$2,400/month. Luxury high-rises along Turtle Creek moving services can run $3,500–$8,000+.

The No-Income-Tax Advantage

Texas has no state income tax. For someone earning $150,000/year, that’s roughly $7,500–$10,000 in annual savings compared to California, New York, or Illinois. It’s one of the biggest reasons corporate relocations keep flowing into DFW.

The tradeoff? Property taxes are higher than the national average — typically 2.0%–2.5% of appraised value. On a $500,000 home, that’s $10,000–$12,500/year. But for most transplants from high-income-tax states, the net savings are still significant.

Utilities

Dallas summers are brutal — and your electric bill will reflect it. Average monthly utility costs for a 2BR apartment:

• Electricity: $150–$250/month (higher in summer, lower in winter). Texas has a deregulated energy market — shop for your provider.
• Water: $40–$70/month
• Internet: $50–$80/month (AT&T Fiber and Spectrum are the main providers)
• Gas: $20–$50/month (heating season only)

Total utilities for a typical household: $260–$450/month.

Groceries and Dining

Groceries in Dallas run about 3%–5% below the national average. H-E-B, Tom Thumb, Kroger, and Whole Foods are the main chains. A family of four can expect to spend $800–$1,200/month on groceries depending on diet and shopping habits.

Dining out is where Dallas punches above its weight. The restaurant scene is world-class — from Tex-Mex institutions to Michelin-caliber fine dining. Expect $15–$20 for a quality lunch and $50–$100+ per person for dinner at top restaurants.

Transportation

Dallas is a car city. Public transit (DART) exists but isn’t practical for most suburban commutes. Budget for:

• Gas: $2.60–$3.00/gallon (below national average)
• Car insurance: $150–$250/month (Texas rates are higher than average due to uninsured drivers and hail risk)
• Tolls: $50–$150/month if you commute on the Dallas North Tollway, PGBT, or DNT

If you live and work in Uptown Dallas movers or the high-rise movers Turtle Creek, you can get by with one car and rideshares. Everywhere else, two cars per household is standard.

Dallas vs. Other Metros

The Economic Tailwind: TXSE and Corporate Growth

Dallas’s economy keeps attracting heavyweight relocations. The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), launching its first trades in 2026, is positioning Dallas as a legitimate alternative to Wall Street. Add to that the continued expansion of Toyota’s North American HQ in Plano, Goldman Sachs’ Dallas campus, and Charles Schwab’s Westlake headquarters — and the job market is as strong as it’s ever been.

For families, the draw is equally clear: Highland Park High School consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Texas — and it’s free for residents. The Southlake Carroll ISD and professional movers Prosper offer similar caliber education with newer facilities and growing communities.

Related Reading