Dallas vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 48% more expensive than Dallas overall. Neither TX nor WA has a state income tax.
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 Dallas to Seattle involves a substantial increase in overall living expenses. Seattle's cost of living is considerably higher, driven primarily by its significantly elevated housing market. While some categories show a smaller difference, the cumulative effect means a much larger budget is generally required for residents in the Pacific Northwest metro compared to the North Texas hub.
Housing
Housing presents the most dramatic cost difference. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are substantially more expensive in Seattle. Dallas offers a more accessible housing market with a greater prevalence of traditional single-family homes, while Seattle's housing stock often features denser options. Ownership costs like property taxes and insurance can also vary, but the initial purchase or rental price gap is considerable.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing also lean higher in Seattle. Food costs are noticeably greater, and transportation expenses are also elevated, despite both metros having significant traffic. Healthcare costs are somewhat higher in Seattle, while utility expenses are roughly similar between the two. Neither state levies a broad income tax, which simplifies the comparison of take-home pay.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move introduces distinct lifestyle shifts. Dallas offers a warm, humid climate with hot summers, while Seattle is known for its mild, rainy weather and cooler temperatures. Dallas relies heavily on personal vehicles for getting around, with a sprawling layout. Seattle, though also car-dependent, has more developed public transit options and a denser urban core, often feeling more compact.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Seattle demands a much larger budget across nearly all categories, with housing being the most significant factor. While Dallas offers a more affordable entry point, Seattle's higher costs reflect its unique economic landscape and geographic setting. A household's financial planning must account for a substantial increase in expenditures when relocating to the Pacific Northwest.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 105 | 155 |
| Housing index | 99 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 123 |
| Food index | 98 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 105 |
| Misc index | 98 | 118 |
| Median home price | $358,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.