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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Dallas is 59% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,403/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 95%
$67,760/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 87%
$295,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 252%
$1,409/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 87%
1,299,553
Population
117,794

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,339/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $16,068/year.

Median household income is $58,709/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Dallas or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Cambridge?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,339/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Cambridge?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $58,709/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Cambridge details →

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