Cost of Living in Dallas County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dallas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dallas County ranks #3,113 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dallas County, Texas
Dallas rents climb above national norms
Dallas County renters spend 23.8% of their income on rent, outpacing the nation's typical burden by roughly 6 percentage points. With a median household income of $74,149—nearly matching the national median of $74,755—residents here face steeper housing costs than most Americans.
Texas's affordability challenge
Dallas County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% ranks as one of Texas's least affordable, significantly above the state average of 18.1%. The county's median rent of $1,469 per month far exceeds Texas's state median of $963, reflecting Dallas's status as a major job center.
Dallas vs. the DFW corridor
Dallas County residents pay roughly 50% more in monthly rent ($1,469) than those in neighboring Denton and Collin County areas when considering the broader metro landscape. However, Denton County—the region's wealthiest county with a $108,185 median income—stretches affordability further despite even higher rents of $1,642.
Where Dallas incomes go
The typical Dallas household spends $1,469 on rent or $1,475 on mortgage costs, consuming nearly a quarter of the $74,149 median income. Homeownership and renting demand roughly equal monthly payments here, making Dallas competitive in choice but expensive in absolute dollars.
Considering Dallas? Budget wisely
If you're relocating to Dallas, expect to allocate nearly 24% of your income to housing—higher than most U.S. metros. Compare this ratio to smaller Texas counties where affordability runs 3-7 percentage points lower, or weigh Dallas's job market premium against rural alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dallas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Dallas County is affordable. The median rent is $1,469/month against a median household income of $74,149, putting rent at 23.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dallas County pay $1,469/month on average, compared to $1,475/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 0%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $58,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $63,214/year. With a median household income of $74,149, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Dallas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Dallas County is more affordable than Hays County by roughly 4% ($1,469/mo vs $1,417/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dallas County
Rent Burden
23.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,730
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.9%
of gross income
The median home in Dallas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $277,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,219 vs. your max of $1,730.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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