If you’re thinking of moving to the friendly state of Texas, you have lots of great cities to choose from. Two of the biggest cities are Dallas and Houston, and they each boast a thriving economy and diverse cultures. Before you decide to move to either of these vibrant cities, you’ll want to know what the Dallas vs. Houston cost of living is.
What is the overall cost of living in Dallas vs. Houston?
The overall cost of living in Houston is 11% lower than in Dallas:
- Transportation costs: 1% lower
- Food costs: 12% lower
- Utilities: 3.5% lower
- Entertainment costs: 7% lower
- Healthcare costs: 15% lower
Is Dallas or Houston more expensive?
Overall, Dallas is a bit more expensive to live in than Houston. The Dallas metro currently is home to 6,397,000 people with an increase of 1.52% from 2020. Dallas has an attractive downtown area that newcomers to Texas find appealing.
Stats for Dallas:
- Cost of living index: 101
- Groceries index: 95
- Housing index: 82
- Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,235, a 1% increase from 2020
The Houston metro has a population of 6,491,000 which represents a 1.88% increase from 2020. With its thriving job market and a cost of living index below the national average, Houston attracts young working professionals and young families.
Houston stats:
- Cost of living index: 96.5
- Groceries index: 87
- Housing index: 82
- Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,195, a 9% increase from 2020
How expensive is an apartment in Houston vs. Dallas?
When considering the price of an apartment in these two cities and taking into consideration the Houston vs. Dallas cost of living, it’s cheaper to rent in Houston than in Dallas. When looking at the cost of living in Houston vs. Dallas, the area you choose to live in has a great impact on the overall cost of living index as well as rental rates. The most expensive neighborhoods in Houston include Downtown Houston, Greenway-Upper Kirby, Midtown, and Washington Ave-Memorial Park.
Apartment rentals range from $730 a month to $1,256 depending on the neighborhood. One-bedrooms range from $935 to $1,620, and two-bedrooms range from $1,210 to $2,267.
Average apartment rentals in Houston:
- Studio: $1,050
- One-bedroom: $1,195
- Two-bedroom: $1,889
The most expensive neighborhoods in the Dallas area include Victory Park, Deep Ellum, Downtown Dallas, and the uptown area. Depending on the neighborhood, Dallas studio apartment rentals range from $895 to $1,472. One-bedroom apartments range from $1,150 to $1,659. Two-bedrooms range from $1,663 to $2,640.
Average apartment rentals in Dallas:
- Studio: $1,248
- One-bedroom: $1,235
- Two-bedroom: $1,724
What is the cheapest rent in Dallas and Houston?
Both Dallas and Houston are huge metropolises when expansive square mileage. Houston, Texas, covers over 637.4 square miles and is the eighth-most expensive city in the United States. Houston is also the fourth most populous city in the United States.
The city of Dallas, Texas, covers 383.4 square miles and is the ninth most populous city in the United States. Because both cities are vastly spread out, cheap rents are normally found on the outskirts of the downtown area. Keep in mind, if you work in the downtown area and need to commute, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas or other transportation costs to get you to and from work or school.
The cheapest neighborhoods and rent in Dallas include Northwood Hills with a one-bedroom apartment costing about $475 a month. The neighborhoods where you’ll find cheap apartments include:
- Town Creek: $800
- Claremont: $794
- Prestonwood South: $730
- Five Mile Creek: $717
- Hockaday: $705
- Oak Cliff $659
- Druid Hills: $625
- Piedmont-Scyene: $599
The cheapest neighborhoods and rent in Houston include Acres Home where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $599. Other places to find a cheap one-bedroom apartment in Houston include:
- Northshore: $770
- East Houston: $745
- Pecan Park: $704
- Golfcrest: $699
- El Dorado – Oates Prarie: $579
- East Little York: $530
How do I find cheap apartments in Dallas and Houston?
Now that you understand the cost of living for Houston vs. Dallas, you’ll want to know how to find a cheap apartment in either city. Because the area of both of these Texas cities is so vast, one of the best ways to find a cheap argument is to use Zumper and filter listings by price.
If you’d like to live in a higher rent district but can’t afford an apartment there, consider getting a roommate to help you find an affordable apartment that you’ll both be happy to share. Before signing a month-to-month contract or a lease agreement, be sure to create a roommate agreement that includes rules and policies. Include how the utility costs are split, the rental cost percentages, and other important information.
What are some free things to do in Dallas and Houston?
You’ll want to save money to enjoy all the great food and entertainment that both Dallas and Houston offer. One way to stretch your budget is to enjoy free things to do around the cities. In Dallas, head over to Cedar Ridge Nature Center, Klyde Warren Park, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, or hear live classical music with the Fine Arts Chamber Players at 3630 Harry Hines Blvd.
In Houston, check out the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Tranquility Park, the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, or wander through the beautiful Glenwood Cemetery.
Whether you decide to call Dallas or Houston home, start your search for affordable apartments using Zumper. Use the search filters to easily find the perfect apartment for you.
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