Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Dallas is 12% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,403/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 5%
$67,760/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 22%
$295,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 28%
$1,409/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 6%
1,299,553
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $14,664/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Dallas or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Raleigh?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Raleigh?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $14,664/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Raleigh details →

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