Dallas, Texas has an overall cost of living index of 103.4, which is 3.4 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,403 per month, while the typical home is valued around $295,300. Households earn a median of $67,760 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 44. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$67,760
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,403
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$295,300
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
103.4
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,582
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,648
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,931
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,431
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
103.4
Goods
102.1
Rents / Housing
116.3
Services
88.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
6.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $128,100 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $94,240 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $64,740 |
| ⚡Electrician | $56,950 |
| 📊Accountant | $90,130 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
1,299,553
Latest estimate
Median Age
33.4 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
44.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Dallas?
Dallas has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 103.4. The US national average is 100, so Dallas is 3.4 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Dallas?
The median gross rent in Dallas is $1,403 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Dallas?
The median household income in Dallas is $67,760 per year.
What is the median home value in Dallas?
The median home value in Dallas is $295,300 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Dallas?
Dallas has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Dallas?
Texas has no state income tax on wages and a statewide sales tax of 6.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology