Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Dallas, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Dallas

Texas
97

Phoenix is 12% more expensive than Dallas.

$1,458/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,403/mo ↓ 4%
$77,041/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,760/yr ↓ 12%
$381,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$295,300 ↓ 23%
$1,430/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,409/mo ↓ 1%
1,624,832
Population
1,299,553

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Dallas, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $9,281/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $295,300 in Dallas.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Dallas — common questions

Is Phoenix or Dallas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Dallas?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Dallas it's $1,403/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Dallas?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $67,760 in Dallas. Median household income is $9,281/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Dallas?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Dallas has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,403/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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