Dallas Cost of Living — The Complete Guide

Finding the ideal city to call home can be a challenge. It requires a balance of affordability, a welcoming sense of community and the choice to cultivate your career. Between Dallas’ desirable cost of living and a thriving business scene, families and single professionals find a permanent home in the famous Texan city each year. Named as one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, Dallas’ affordable housing for first-time buyers and considerably low rent bring new resident of all ages.

The average cost of living in Dallas is an impressive 32% lower than New York City, but still welcomes a thriving economy, even named the 6th best city for business and careers by Forbes. So how much does it cost to live in Dallas from day to day? Here we’ll explore average rents in Dallas, grocery bills, travel costs and all the little details in between. If you’re considering moving to Dallas, check out the full picture before deciding what’s right for you.

Dallas Rent Prices

If you’re starting your rental search in the area, Dallas rent prices are currently remaining quite steady. According to Rent Jungle, rent prices in Dallas were at an average of $1,237 a month as of July 2018, very close to where its been in the past several years, but only with a slight increase. One bedrooms are around $1,050 a month, making this a great city for young couples and individuals to explore the area for the first time.

Rental prices in Dallas vary significantly by neighborhood, with chic, pricier options in the Arts District, Center City, Oak Lawn, Arts District, and the Near East neighborhoods. Many of these easily accessible neighborhoods cut down on commuting time and sit in the heart of the cultural city hub.

Average Cost of Groceries in Dallas

Grocery bills—one of the largest players in our monthly budgets—often speak to the cost of living in an area. The average cost of groceries per month, according to Numbeo is around $242 a person. This is 36% lower than New York City. As a point of reference, the average cost of a gallon of milk in Dallas is about $2.42 where it’s nearly $4.40 in NYC. Cutting your monthly food cost adds up pretty quickly. No matter which Dallas neighborhood you choose, the city has a strong range of discount grocery stores like Aldi and Trader Joe’s.

Your Dallas Utility Bill

The typical average utility bill—which includes water, electricity, heating and garbage is comparable to a large-city price tag, just under $140 a month for a 195-square foot apartment. Since internet is a given these days, you’ll also want to include the average cost of internet in Dallas, which is around $60 a month.

On the other hand, the average water bill in Dallas has reports of significantly rising over the past several years. In early 2018, bills were still reported at an average of under $100 a month, but due to its dry climate, this is considered a high cost compared to other cities in the US.

Average Dallas Salary

Even with a relatively lower cost of living compared to other highly populated cities, how does this balance out with the average household income in Dallas? At just under $68,000 a year, the average pay in Dallas is quite complementary to comfortable living.

As a magnet city for technology and financial companies, the selection of high-paying positions in the city raises the average income. Dallas is also a hub for industrial jobs, and with the busy Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, notes Forbes, makes this city a major stopping point for company gatherings and conferences. A large selection of universities also bring money and culture to the area, several of which bring college football fans to the area which boosts the city’s economy during the Cotton Bowl each year.

Buying a Home in Dallas

In 2015, NerdWallet found that the Dallas-Fort Worth area was one of the most popular spots for first-time home buyers in 2015. And though prices have risen a large 12.7% in the past year according to Zillow, the market in Dallas is still considered quite manageable. The average home price in Dallas is still around $385,000. Zillow predicts that home prices in Dallas will rise nearly another 12% by fall of 2019.

As was the case with renting a home in Dallas, new home buyers, or those looking for a lower price point, can explore different neighborhoods. The hip neighborhood of Oak Lawn, for example, has a median home price of $304,000. Spots like Old East Dallas have homes in the mid-$200,000s with plenty of access to restaurants and parks for young residents and families looking for a city feel.

If you’re comparing different Texan cities, median Dallas home prices are comparable to the popular Austin and Houston home market, but with greater access to career opportunities.

Living Expenses in Dallas

Once you’ve determined all your necessary bills in Dallas, how much does it cost to enjoy everything the city has to offer? When calculating your monthly budget, you’ll want to make sure your expenses balance with a comfortable salary for living in Dallas. The average monthly public transportation pass in Dallas, for example, is about $80. The DART system—Dallas Area Rapid Transit—is growing in popularity as it provides greater access to different areas of the city.

According to Numbeo, the average cost of a gallon of gas if $2.60, which is lower than other large city prices but can be high if you’re commuting into work from one of the surrounding suburbs.

Looking to enjoy the many pockets of culture and food in Downtown Dallas? Assume that a three-course meal at a standard restaurant for you and a friend will only cost about $50. This same meal in New York City is around $80, showing the money you save in this Texan town. Grab a pint of beer for just over $4 or a fancy cappuccino for just about the same price.

Over thirty percent of the Dallas population are children under 18, pointing to the popularity of family life in the city. When raising a family here, you’ll also enjoy the comparatively low childcare costs for a large metropolitan area. Average monthly preschool is $862 a month, which is significantly lower than both Chicago and New York City.

Across the board, the low cost of living in Dallas is one of the many benefits of moving to the area compared to other cities of this size. With a high promise of job growth—one of the highest in the country next to Atlanta—there’s no question that opportunity in the next decade will make the city move a worthwhile one. The draw of the popular Texas State Fair, Cowboys football and the incredibly popular restaurant and arts scenes make moving to Dallas an immersive experience.

Our dedicated team at Mighty Movers welcomes new resident from across the country or when transferring to a new Dallas neighborhood. Contact us to begin the conversation about your Dallas move. We can walk you through your upcoming transition, guiding you along the way to make yourself at home in the Dallas community.

The 5 Best Dallas Neighborhoods In 7 Categories

Welcome To Dallas Sign

There are many factors you can use to determine which Dallas neighborhoods are the best, but the real test comes down to the features that work best with your lifestyle. With the criteria for best neighborhood being so diverse and unique to the individual, crowning the number one Dallas neighborhood requires a breakdown of different factors. Here are the best neighborhoods in Dallas based on several categories and the best Dallas neighborhood to live in overall.

1. Safest Dallas Neighborhoods

The best way to measure safety is to look at the statistics for crime in an area. The standard measure for criminal activity divides criminal activity into violent crimes and property crimes. Violent crime statistics include murder, assault, rape, and robbery while property crimes include theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Based on these statistics, the five neighborhoods in Dallas that top the list for safest areas in the city include:

  1. Lakeview Heights
  2. Campbell Green
  3. Greenway Parks
  4. Preston Trail
  5. Hunters Bend

Mighty Movers - Best Family Neighborhood in Dallas - Little Girl Riding A Bike.2. Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Families

There are several factors that must be considered for a Dallas neighborhood to be deemed family friendly. A combination of crime statistics, public school ratings, the cost of living, and family amenities is necessary to determine areas that are most suitable for families with children. The five best neighborhoods in Dallas for raising a family are:

  1. Preston Highlands
  2. Campbell Green
  3. Moss Farm/Forest Meadow
  4. Lakeview Heights
  5. Prestonwood

3. Best Neighborhoods in Dallas to Purchase a Home

Affordability is an important topic when deciding on the best neighborhoods in Dallas. Affordability is generally measured against the real estate market using factors such as home and property values, property taxes, housing costs, home ownership rates, and real estate trends. The five best Dallas neighborhoods to buy a house include:

  1. Fate
  2. Frisco
  3. Allen
  4. Coppell
  5. Highland Village

4. Most Affluent Neighborhoods in Dallas

For families that top the income scale, the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city promise increased security, elaborate landscaping, and higher property values. These are the neighborhoods where you’ll find Dallas’ top earners:

  1. Highland Park
  2. University Park
  3. North Dallas
  4. Bluffview
  5. Preston Hollow

5. Most Historical Dallas NeighborhoodsMighty Movers - Old Red Museum, Formerly Dallas County Courthouse In Dallas, Te

If you like to immerse yourself in the culture and history of your city, there are several neighborhoods in Dallas that will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for historical architecture or just like a neighborhood with an interesting and documented history, the Dallas neighborhoods that offer the greatest historical significance are:

  1. Lakewood: Dates back to the early 1900s with many of the original shops and cafes still standing. Home to the historic Lakewood Country Club, built in 1912.
  2. Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica: This area was established in the 1920s by developer B. Salmon who gave residents the freedom to build homes in whatever style they chose as long as they followed deed restrictions. The result is a neighborhood filled with unique historical architecture.
  3. Swiss Avenue: Dallas’ first historic district, this neighborhood showcases homes from every popular design style since the early 20th century.
  4. Greenway Parks: This planned development was started in the 1920s and has the unique distinction of being one of the few developments that incorporated parks and greenways throughout the neighborhood. The result is a striking green space within the city.
  5. South Boulevard: This neighborhood was established in the early 1900s and was primarily home to Jewish merchants. Today, the homes that were built between 1910 and 1935 only span about nine blocks, which are now protected by the current neighborhood association.

Mighty Movers - Downtown Dallas, TX6. Most Accessible Dallas Neighborhoods

Another factor to consider when determining the best neighborhoods in Dallas is the ease of getting around in the area. Sidewalks, bike paths, and public transportation can all affect how reliant you must be on a personal vehicle to get where you need to go. Based on these factors, the five most accessible Dallas neighborhoods are:

  1. Downtown Dallas: walk score 90, transit score 85, bike score 65
  2. Oak Lawn: walk score 86, transit score 60, bike score 73
  3. Deep Ellum: walk score 76, transit score 77, bike score 68
  4. Glencoe Park: walk score 79, transit score 63, bike score 64
  5. Lower Greenville: walk score 71, transit score 44, bike score 59

7. The Best Dallas Neighborhoods to Live In

When determining the best Dallas neighborhoods to live in, there are several criteria that affect residents’ quality of life. To get the whole picture, factors must include crime rates, public school ratings, the cost of living, job opportunities, and the amenities in the area. Based on these elements, the best Dallas neighborhoods to live in are:

  1. Preston Highlands
  2. Moss Farm/Forest Meadow
  3. Campbell Green
  4. Lakeview Heights
  5. Prestonwood

When trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Dallas, it’s important for you to decide what factors will have the biggest impact on your life and work best with your situation. If you don’t find value in local history, historical neighborhoods may not appeal to you. If you lack your own transportation, accessibility might be your number-one priority. In reality, opinions on the best neighborhoods in Dallas will vary between individuals because everyone has their own idea of which factors are the most important. In the end, whatever area fits your lifestyle and gives you the most value is the best neighborhood in Dallas.

So, you’re moving to Dallas? Welcome! As a top-rated Dallas moving company, we know how exciting this time can be. And as the most referred Dallas long distance movers, we know that moving to Dallas can feel overwhelming to newcomers. There is so much to do and see living in Dallas that you might not know where to begin.

 

10 Things You Should Know About Moving to Dallas, Texas

Dallas Movers - Mighty Movers

So, you’re moving to Dallas? Welcome! As a top-rated Dallas moving company, we know how exciting this time can be. And as the most referred Dallas long distance movers, we know that moving to Dallas can feel overwhelming to newcomers. There is so much to do and see living in Dallas that you might not know where to begin.

Things You Should Know About Moving to Dallas, Texas

Whether you are about to embark on your journey to Dallas or have already moved into your new home, these are the top 10 things you should know about moving to Dallas.

1. The DFW Metroplex

“DFW Metroplex” is a term you will often hear from the locals. As a new Dallas resident, you are not only a resident of our beautiful city, you are also a part of the Dallas Fort Worth area. DFW Metroplex refers to Dallas, Arlington, Fort Worth, and all the suburbs that lie inside the area.

2. The Best Places to Live in Dallas

Dallas neighborhoods are as varied and diverse as Dallas residents. Whether you are moving to Dallas alone or moving to Dallas with a family, you’ll find what you need here.

Uptown

Uptown Dallas is just north of Downtown Dallas and to the west of the North Central Expressway. Uptown’s abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops, plus its walkability, make it popular with young professionals. Empty nesters who are looking for an urban lifestyle also flock to the area.

Preston Hollow

One of the most elite Dallas neighborhoods, Preston Hollow is known for its large estates and majestic oak trees. This neighborhood is also home to Dallas civic and business leaders who are the who’s who of the DFW Metroplex.

M Streets

M Streets is a popular choice for young families and couples. With homes dating back to the 1920’s and easy access to downtown, it offers residents the ability to enjoy Dallas and avoid parking congestion.

3. Eating in Dallas

We take our food seriously in Dallas. If you ask us, Dallas barbecue is the best barbecue out there and our Tex Mex is beyond compare. That’s not all we eat, though.The Dallas food scene has something amazing for every palate. 

4. Cost of Living in Dallas

The cost of living in Dallas is below the national average. Because of higher sales taxes, a grocery trip may you cost more than average. Utility prices are also slightly higher than the average US city, thanks to the extreme Texas heat. Our home prices, though, are more competitive than other areas with a median price of $188,000.

5. Finding a Job in Dallas

The job market in Dallas is thriving thanks to so many corporate headquarters that call Dallas home. Some of our biggest employers include Bank of America, Bayor Health Care System, and AT&T. Plus, there are even more corporations throughout the DFW Metroplex. If you haven’t already found a position, you should have no trouble finding one in the DFW area.

6. No State Income Tax

That’s right. Texas is one of the few states that chooses to forgo state income taxes. That means you will see more on your paycheck than if you lived somewhere else like Georgia. But, the state still needs taxes to run. While your paycheck will be higher, you will also notice an above-average sales tax as well as higher property taxes.

7. Moving to Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas. Both native and new Texans are proud of their home state. We are loyal to our home teams, local businesses, and made-in-Texas products. As Dallas movers, we are particularly proud to be a part of the Lone Star State. Be prepared to be loud and proud about your new home. You’ll blend right in.

8. Dallas Weather

Most people describe Dallas weather with one word. Hot. It’s not uncommon to see temperature readings well above 100℉ on your car’s thermostat. Our winters can be a bit dicey, as well. While it does occasionally snow, Dallas drivers are not accustomed to driving snowy or icy roadways. Don’t be surprised the first time you see the city practically shut down when the meteorologist predicts precipitation with just above freezing temperatures.

9. Dallas Traffic

Dallas traffic is serious business, especially during rush hour. You’ll soon find that residents are accustomed to adding in time for delays before hitting the road. Luckily, the city of Dallas roadways are laid out on a grid system, making it easy to find your way around.

10. Dallas Culture

In Dallas, we like to do things our own way. We are a city that celebrates southern hospitality, art, music, theater, food, and progress. And we aren’t afraid to try something new. Whether that means building an urban park on top of a highway or taking in films created by emerging artists at the Dallas International Film Festival.