Austin vs Dallas

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $73,854 in Dallas.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $73,854 in Dallas. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 6%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Dallas

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,648/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Dallas is a strong remote work market, combining no state income tax, broad housing options, and a warm climate. Car dependence means transportation costs should factor into the overall picture.
Walk Score
42
 
46
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Dallas
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Dallas each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Austin vs Dallas — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Dallas?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,648/mo in Dallas. Austin has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Dallas to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $73,854 in Dallas — a gain of about 6% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Dallas?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Dallas is in TX (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.