Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Sacramento, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Dallas is 27% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,403/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 21%
$67,760/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 24%
$295,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 64%
$1,409/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 24%
1,299,553
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $15,993/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Dallas or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Sacramento?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Sacramento?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $15,993/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Sacramento

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta