Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Dallas is 16% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,403/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 12%
$67,760/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 5%
$295,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 27%
$1,409/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 10%
1,299,553
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $3,542/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Tampa — common questions

Is Dallas or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Tampa?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Tampa?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $3,542/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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