Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Dallas is 45% cheaper than Boston.

$1,403/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 49%
$67,760/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 40%
$295,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 141%
$1,409/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 54%
1,299,553
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $26,995/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Boston — common questions

Is Dallas or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Boston?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Boston?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $26,995/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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