Question 1

Is Dallas or Seattle cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Dallas, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $351/month less than in Seattle, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,931/mo in Dallas versus $2,501/mo in Seattle.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Dallas vs Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $78,500/year before tax in Dallas, TX and $86,000/year in Seattle, WA — a difference of about $7,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Dallas or Seattle cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Dallas, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,268/month in Dallas and $12,749/month in Seattle, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Dallas or Seattle?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Dallas costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Dallas62	Seattle59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,440	$4,791
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,268	$12,749
Salary for comfort	$78,500/yr	$86,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,931	$2,501
Median home value	$295,300	$912,100
Median household income	$67,760	$121,984
Unemployment	4.7%	4.7%
Housing score	41	34
Jobs score	49	35
Safety score	39	40
Climate score	92	92
Amenities score	78	90
Population	1.3M	741.4K
Summer high / winter low	96° / 37°	76° / 37°

Dallas, TX vs Seattle, WA