Kept

City vs city

Dallas vs San Francisco

$100,000 in Dallas buys a lifestyle closer to $171,000 in San Francisco, because San Francisco's cost-of-living index is 178 versus 104.

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

San Francisco

Tech wages are high, but housing absorbs a large share of even six-figure take-home pay.

COL index
178
Typical 1-bed
$3,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$151,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Francisco guide

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