Median rent is 6% lower in Dallas ($1,472/mo vs $1,572/mo). Buying is cheaper in Dallas, where the median home runs $320,700 versus $415,800. Households earn more in Raleigh ($85,395 vs $70,518 a year). Taken together, Raleigh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.4 against 102.5 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Raleigh, NC.
Cost of living verdict
Raleigh is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.4 in Raleigh vs 102.5 in Dallas (US national average = 100)
City A
Dallas, TX
City B
Raleigh, NC
How much would you need to earn in Raleigh, NC to maintain your standard of living from Dallas, TX?
Equivalent salary in Raleigh, NC
$71,974
You could earn $3,026 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Dallas
Texas
Raleigh
North Carolina
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Dallas at $1,472/mo compared to $1,572/mo in Raleigh (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Raleigh: the median home is $415,800 versus $320,700 in Dallas — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Dallas
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Raleigh
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Raleigh has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.4 vs 102.5).
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,395/yr).
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Dallas cheaper than Raleigh?
Raleigh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.4 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Raleigh.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Raleigh?
Median rent is $1,472/mo in Dallas, TX and $1,572/mo in Raleigh, NC. Dallas, TX has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Dallas or Raleigh?
Median household income is $70,518 in Dallas, TX and $85,395 in Raleigh, NC. Raleigh, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Raleigh, NC has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Dallas or Raleigh?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Dallas income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Dallas, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,965 in Raleigh, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
