Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Dallas is 36% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,403/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 28%
$67,760/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 67%
$295,300 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 103%
$1,409/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 38%
1,299,553
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $45,636/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Arvada — common questions

Is Dallas or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Arvada?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Arvada?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $45,636/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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