Kept

City vs city

Austin vs Dallas

$100,000 in Austin buys a lifestyle closer to $87,000 in Dallas, because Dallas's cost-of-living index is 104 versus 119.

Austin

No state income tax. Rents fell from the 2022 peak but remain above most Texas metros.

COL index
119
Typical 1-bed
$1,650/mo
Comfortable salary
$101,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Austin guide

Dallas

Broad job market, no state income tax, and housing that is still cheaper than the coasts.

COL index
104
Typical 1-bed
$1,500/mo
Comfortable salary
$88,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Dallas guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego