Cleveland vs Dallas: cost of living compared
Dallas is 28% more expensive than Cleveland overall. Dallas (TX) has no state income tax; OH tops out around 3.5%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Cleveland to Dallas generally means a substantially higher cost of living, with Dallas being notably more expensive across most categories. The most significant difference stems from housing expenses, which are considerably lower in Cleveland. While other daily costs also show a gap, the cost of shelter is the primary factor driving the overall budget disparity between these two metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing in Cleveland is remarkably more affordable, whether you plan to buy or rent. Median home prices are significantly lower, and a typical one-bedroom rental commands a much smaller monthly payment compared to Dallas. While property taxes and insurance can vary, the initial purchase price and ongoing mortgage payments will likely be substantially less in Cleveland, where housing stock often includes older, established homes, contrasting with Dallas's newer, more sprawling developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food, healthcare, and utilities are all somewhat higher in Dallas. A key difference impacting disposable income is the state income tax; Ohio has one, while Texas does not. Transportation costs are also somewhat greater in Dallas, though average commute times are roughly similar. This means that beyond housing, everyday spending on essentials will generally require a larger portion of your income in Dallas.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Cleveland experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters with snow, while Dallas has a warmer climate with hot summers. Getting around in both cities primarily relies on personal vehicles, though Dallas's larger footprint might mean more driving. Cleveland offers a more established, Great Lakes urban feel, while Dallas presents a more modern, expansive Sun Belt environment. Both metros offer diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.
Bottom line
A move from Cleveland to Dallas would likely entail a substantial increase in your household budget, predominantly due to the much higher housing costs in Dallas. While the absence of a state income tax in Texas might offset some of the difference, nearly all other spending categories, from food to utilities, are also more expensive in Dallas. Your overall financial picture would need to accommodate a noticeably higher cost of living to maintain a similar lifestyle.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 105 |
| Housing index | 57 | 99 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 104 |
| Food index | 90 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 102 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 82 | 98 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Dallas home with the True Cost Calculator.