Cost of Living in Dallas TX, 2025: Affordable Neighborhoods & Tips
“Wallet vs. Dallas: Who Wins?”
Table of Content
- Average Cost of Living in Dallas
- Cost of Living in Dallas: Housing & Rents
- Cost of Living in Dallas: Neighborhood-Wise Rent
- Where to Find Cheap Apartments in Dallas?
- Cost of Living in Dallas: Utilities
- Cost of Living in Dallas: Transportation
- Cost of Living in Dallas: Groceries and Food Expenses
- Cost of Living in Dallas: Leisure & Entertainment Costs
- Cost of Living in Dallas For Entertainment: Neighborhood Comparison
- Cost of Living in Dallas vs Other Texas Cities
Ever dreamed of calling Dallas, Texas, home in 2025, with its lively food scene and that shiny $80,000 job offer? The big question is: Can you afford the cost of living in Dallas Texas? With a cost of living index at 101, Dallas is just 1% above the U.S. average, cheaper than New York by 30.8% (excluding rent) but pricier than Houston. Let’s play money detective with 2025 data to crack the cost of living in Dallas and build a budget that makes your Big D dreams real.
Housing leads the pack: a one-bedroom in Dallas’s city center costs $1,655 monthly, or $3,457 for a family’s three-bedroom. Groceries run $450 a month for one, with milk at $3.56 a gallon and tacos at $20. Utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment hit $224, and gas at $3.20 a gallon fuels most commutes over a $96 transit pass. To live comfortably, the cost of living in Dallas for a single person is $95,930 yearly, tough on $80K after taxes. This blog will unpack the cost of living in Dallas Texas, with tips and neighborhood picks to keep your wallet happy.
Average Cost of Living in Dallas
The average cost of living in Dallas in Texas, depends on housing, food, utilities, and lifestyle choices. Here’s a breakdown of the price of living in Dallas Texas, across major expense categories:
| Category | Average Cost | Compared to U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent – 1BR) | $1,400 – $1,600 per month | Slightly higher |
| Home Purchase | $392K – $488K (median) | Higher (varies by area) |
| Utilities (Energy) | $225 – $252 per month | 12–16% higher |
| Groceries | Standard monthly grocery bill ~ $300–$350 | ~1% lower |
| Transportation | ~$150–$200 per month (car + transit) | ~9% lower |
| Healthcare | Varies, ~3–6% higher than U.S. avg | Higher |
| Overall Index | 2–3% higher than U.S. average, 11% above Texas state average | — |
Cost of Living in Dallas: Housing & Rents
When breaking down the living expenses in Dallas Texas, housing takes the biggest share of the pie. Whether you’re a student searching for a budget-friendly studio near campus, a young professional looking at downtown lofts, or someone eyeing a two-bedroom for sharing, understanding rental trends is the first step to figuring out the cost to live in Dallas.
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Cost | Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,296–$1,415 | Compact and budget-friendly option for singles |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | $1,403–$1,465 (avg $1,421) | Popular among students and young professionals |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | $1,863–$2,053 | Ideal for roommates to split costs |
| Average Rent Overall | $1,590 | Covers all apartment types citywide |
| Rent Change (YoY) | −2.2% | Slight cooling in rent prices |
| Income Needed to Afford Rent | $71,413/year | To keep rent under 25% of income |
Key Takeaways
Studios remain the most affordable option (~$1.3K–$1.4K).
One-bedrooms average around $1,420/month, making them a middle ground.
Two-bedroom units cost $1,860–$2,050, but sharing splits the load.
Dallas’s overall rent average of $1,590 is more reasonable compared to other major U.S. cities.
Rents have dipped 2.2%, offering newcomers a slight edge.
Tip: If you’re moving to Dallas for studies or work, consider shared housing to cut costs while exploring the city. Platforms like amber make it easier to find student-friendly apartments, compare verified options, and secure places near best colleges in Texas, helping you save money and settle in faster.
Cost of Living in Dallas: Neighborhood-Wise Rent
When mapping out Dallas living expenses, housing is the biggest factor. Neighborhood choice can swing your budget by several hundred dollars each month. The average rent citywide sits around $1,590, so choosing a neighborhood below that mark (like Bishop Arts or Deep Ellum) can save you nearly $2,000 annually, a big win for students and young professionals watching their Dallas TX living costs closely. Here’s what you can expect across popular areas:
1. Uptown: Rents run high at $1,700–$1,900 for a one-bedroom, reflecting its upscale vibe. With boutique gyms, rooftop bars, and walkable streets, Uptown is perfect if lifestyle convenience is your priority, but it pushes the overall Dallas TX living cost up.
2. Downtown Dallas: Slightly higher at $1,800–$2,100, Downtown caters to professionals who want high-rise apartments close to work. It saves commuting time, but expect higher parking fees and food costs, which add to your monthly living expenses in Dallas Texas.
3. Deep Ellum: More balanced at $1,400–$1,600, Deep Ellum is the go-to for students and creatives. Known for its murals, music venues, and local food spots, it offers a cultural lifestyle without Uptown prices, making it one of the smarter choices for renters on a budget.
4. Bishop Arts District: At $1,300–$1,500, Bishop Arts is among the most affordable inner-city neighborhoods. With quirky shops and cozy cafés, it delivers personality at a manageable price, keeping your Dallas living expenses lighter compared to trendier districts.
5. Oak Lawn: Mid-range housing at $1,500–$1,700 with a central location, diverse dining, and good connections to other parts of Dallas. It’s a strong middle ground for those who want accessibility without Downtown-level costs.
Tip: If you’re new to Dallas, avoid committing to a high-rent area before you know the city well. Start with flexible student housing through amber, it lets you compare verified properties near universities or transit hubs, giving you budget control while you explore the safest neighborhoods in Dallas that best fit your lifestyle.
Where to Find Cheap Apartments in Dallas?
Hunting for affordable apartments in Dallas can feel overwhelming. Rents keep fluctuating, neighborhoods vary widely in price, and it’s easy to assume that “cheap” means cutting back on comfort or location. But that doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re a student or young professional looking to save on rent without compromising on quality, amber is your best bet. Instead of endlessly browsing sketchy rental sites or worrying about hidden costs, you can filter by budget, room type, and location to find exactly what works for you, with rents for student housing in Dallas, ranging from $700 to $850/month:
2. Tribeca On The Creek Apartments, Dallas
3. The Landing At Mccallum, Dallas
Cost of Living in Dallas: Utilities
When calculating the average cost of living in Dallas, utilities are the hidden line items that often surprise newcomers. Adding these up, monthly utilities can easily cross $350–$400, which can make a big difference in the overall cost of living in Dallas Texas, especially for students or young professionals on a budget.
1. Electricity & Gas – On average, utility bills in Dallas range between $225–$252 per month, which is about 12–16% higher than the U.S. average due to heavy summer cooling needs.
2. Internet – A stable home internet plan costs roughly $65–$80 per month, depending on speed and provider.
3. Water & Trash – Expect to pay another $40–$60 monthly.
4. Mobile Phone Plans – Standard plans run about $70–$90, depending on data and carrier.
Tip: To save, look for apartments that bundle water, trash, or even internet into the rent. Shared student housing options often include utilities in the package, which can reduce surprise costs and make budgeting for the average cost of living in Dallas much easier.
Cost of Living in Dallas: Transportation
Transportation is one of the most overlooked parts of living expenses in Dallas Texas. While the city is known for being car-friendly, students attending universities like UTD, Dallas Baptist University, and professionals have multiple options, each with different costs that affect the overall cost to live in Dallas.
| Mode of Transport | Average Monthly Cost | Details & Commute Insights | How to Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit (DART) | ~$96 (monthly pass) | Includes buses, light rail, and commuter trains. Connects SMU (Red/Orange Line), UNT Dallas (own station), and UT Dallas (bus-to-rail links). | Students often get discounted passes through universities. |
| Driving (Car Owner) | $500+ | Covers gas (~$3.20–$3.40/gal), insurance, maintenance, and parking ($100–$200 downtown). | Share fuel/parking costs, choose fuel-efficient cars, avoid peak-hour toll roads. |
| Parking (Downtown/Uptown) | $100–$200 | Reserved spots or garages for those working/studying in central Dallas. | Look for housing with free/discounted parking included. |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $200–$400 (if used regularly) | Flexible for late-night or occasional trips, but costly for daily commuting. | Best used occasionally, not as a primary mode. |
| E-Scooters & Bikes | $40–$60 | Great for short trips in Deep Ellum, Oak Lawn, and Bishop Arts. | Use monthly subscriptions instead of pay-per-ride. |
Student-Specific Savings
Many Dallas universities partner with DART to offer discounted or free transit passes for full-time students.
Example: SMU students can ride DART free with a university-issued pass.
UT Dallas students in Richardson often qualify for reduced DART fares through the school.
Taking advantage of these discounts can shave $50–$100/month off commuting costs, reducing overall living expenses in Dallas Texas.
Cost of Living in Dallas: Groceries and Food Expenses
Food spending is one of the most flexible parts of Dallas living expenses. While groceries in Dallas are about 1–2% cheaper than the U.S. average, frequent dining out or visiting the best clubs in Dallas can significantly raise the overall Dallas TX living cost.
| Category | Average Cost | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Groceries (per person) | $300–$350 | Cooking most meals at home |
| Milk (1 gallon) | ~$3.50 | Nationally comparable |
| Bread (loaf) | ~$2.80 | Affordable across most grocery chains |
| Eggs (dozen) | ~$3.20 | Lower than some U.S. metros |
| Chicken breast (1 lb) | ~$4.20 | Bulk buying reduces cost further |
| Apples (1 lb) | ~$1.60 | Seasonal pricing applies |
| Rice (1 lb) | ~$1.40 | Cost-efficient staple for students |
| Fast Food Meal | $9–$11 | Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, etc. |
| Casual Dining (per meal) | $20–$25 | Mid-range restaurants in Dallas |
| Coffee | $4–$5 | Starbucks or local cafés |
| Meal for Two (restaurant) | $60–$70 | Mid-range dining with drinks |
Saving Tips
Shop at Aldi, Kroger, or Walmart to keep grocery bills lower.
Buy in bulk from Costco or Sam’s Club, especially if you’re sharing with roommates.
Leverage student meal plans, look for student accommodations on amber, which include food in rent, or campus dining credits when available.
Limit eating out, 3–4 restaurant meals a week can raise your Dallas TX living cost by $150–$200 monthly.
Cost of Living in Dallas: Leisure & Entertainment Costs
Leisure is the part of your budget that shapes your lifestyle. Factoring in entertainment gives a more complete view of the average cost of living in Dallas Texas. Here’s how much you will spend while ticking off the list of the top things to do in Dallas:
| Activity | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Movie Ticket | $13–$15 | Standard cinemas across Dallas |
| Gym Membership | $40–$60 (basic), $90+ (premium) | Fitness clubs in Uptown and Downtown are pricier |
| Night Out (food + drinks) | $60–$80 (casual), $100+ (upscale) | Varies by neighborhood |
| Sports Event (NBA/NFL) | $40–$60 (standard seats), $200+ (premium) | Mavericks & Cowboys tickets |
| Cultural Activities (museums, galleries) | $0–$25 | Dallas Museum of Art free, special exhibits ~$20–$25 |
Cost of Living in Dallas For Entertainment: Neighborhood Comparison
The price of living in Dallas Texas, also depends on where you go out. Entertainment can swing your monthly budget by several hundred dollars. While the best neighborhoods in Dallas, like Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts, keep the average cost of living in Dallas Texas manageable, Uptown and Downtown add a premium to the price of living in Dallas Texas.
| Neighborhood | Avg Leisure Cost per Outing | Lifestyle Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown | $120+ | Rooftop bars, upscale restaurants, premium gyms |
| Downtown Dallas | $100–$150 | Sports arenas, concerts, fine dining |
| Deep Ellum | $50–$70 | Affordable live music, street art, casual eateries |
| Bishop Arts | $40–$60 | Quirky cafés, indie theatres, boutique shops |
| Oak Lawn | $70–$90 | Balanced mix of nightlife, fitness, and casual dining |
Tip: Students can save by sticking to free cultural events, discounted movie nights, or the best housing in Dallas near affordable leisure hubs like Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts. Amber helps you find properties in these areas, so you can enjoy Dallas’s lifestyle without overspending.
Cost of Living in Dallas vs Other Texas Cities
The Dallas cost of living index is around 102–103, meaning it’s just 2–3% above the U.S. average. For comparison, Austin’s index sits closer to 120, while San Antonio is around 90–92.The cost of living in Dallas for a single person averages around $1,200–$1,400 (excluding rent), while housing adds another $1,400–$1,600 depending on location.
| City | Cost of Living Index | Highlights | Single Person Monthly Expenses (excl. rent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | 102–103 | Balanced; higher rents than San Antonio, cheaper than Austin | $1,200–$1,400 |
| Austin | ~120 | Tech hub, fast-growing; rent and food are higher | $1,400–$1,600 |
| Houston | ~95–97 | Affordable housing, lower rent but higher utilities | $1,100–$1,300 |
| San Antonio | ~90–92 | Cheapest among large Texas cities; lower housing & food costs | $1,000–$1,200 |
| Fort Worth | ~98–100 | Similar to Dallas, but with slightly cheaper housing | $1,100–$1,300 |
In summary, the cost of living in Dallas per month ranges between $2,200–$3,400 for a single person, depending on housing choices, commute, and lifestyle, with students often spending less by sharing rent and using public transit. The cost of living index Dallas TX stands at around 102–103, just above the national average, making the city more affordable than Austin but pricier than Houston or San Antonio. Overall, Dallas offers a balanced mix of affordability and opportunity, especially if you plan your budget wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dallas?
To live comfortably in Dallas as a single person, you’ll generally need around $70,000–$75,000 per year. This allows you to cover housing (about $1,400–$1,600 for a one-bedroom), utilities, transportation, food, and leisure while keeping savings in mind. Families will need a higher income depending on household size.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Dallas?
Yes, $80,000 is considered a strong salary in Dallas. Since the cost of living index Dallas TX is close to the national average (around 102–103), this salary is above the city’s median household income (~$76,000), meaning you can afford comfortable housing, manage expenses, and still save.
What is a good hourly wage in Dallas, Texas?
A good hourly wage in Dallas is around $20/hour (roughly $43,000/year), which is considered the living wage for a single person. However, wages above $25–$30/hour are typically seen as providing a comfortable standard of living.
What is a livable salary in Texas?
Across Texas, a livable salary varies by city. On average, a single person needs about $40,000–$50,000 per year to cover essentials. Cities like Austin require more (closer to $60,000–$70,000), while San Antonio or El Paso can be manageable on around $35,000–$40,000.
Which is the most affordable city in Texas?
San Antonio is often cited as the most affordable major city in Texas. Its housing costs and overall expenses are well below those in Austin and Dallas, making it easier to live comfortably on a lower income. Smaller cities like Lubbock and El Paso also offer very low living costs compared to larger metros.
Is Dallas expensive to live in?
Dallas is moderately expensive compared to other Texas cities, but not prohibitively so. The cost of living in Dallas per month for a single person is around $2,200–$3,400, depending on lifestyle. While rent is higher than in San Antonio or Houston, Dallas is still cheaper than Austin and offers a wide range of affordable housing and entertainment options.