True Cost of Living in Dallas in 2025 – Housing, Utilities, Groceries & More
Thinking about moving to Dallas in 2025? One of the first questions people ask is simple: “What’s the real cost of living?” The truth is, Dallas is affordable compared to many big U.S. cities, but it comes with trade-offs. This guide breaks it down so you know exactly what to expect before you make the move.
Housing Costs in Dallas
Housing is the biggest factor in your budget.
Median home price: Around $400,000 as of early 2025.
Renting: A 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,500/month, while a 3-bedroom rental sits closer to $2,200.
Luxury: Uptown high-rise condos and Highland Park estates can easily run $1M–$5M+.
New construction: Suburbs like Prosper, Celina, and Princeton offer new builds with builder incentives such as lower interest rates or closing cost credits.
👉 Related: Read our complete guide to buying new construction homes in Dallas.
Utilities & Bills
Summers in Dallas are no joke, and your power bill will remind you of that.
Electricity: $150–$300/month depending on square footage and A/C use.
Water/trash: Typically $75–$150/month.
Internet: $60–$100/month depending on provider and speed.
👉 Tip: Homes with better insulation or newer construction can save you money year-round.
Groceries & Food
Dallas grocery costs sit slightly below the national average.
Grocery spend for a family of four: About $900–$1,200/month.
Dining out: A casual meal averages $15–$20 per person, while upscale dining easily runs $100+ for two.
The good news? Dallas has endless options, from budget-friendly taco joints to world-class steakhouses.
Transportation Costs
Dallas is built for cars. Owning one is almost a requirement unless you live downtown and rarely leave.
Gas prices: ~$3.00/gallon in early 2025.
Insurance: Higher than the national average — budget $150–$250/month per car.
Tolls: North Dallas toll roads (Dallas North Tollway, 121, George Bush Turnpike) add up quickly.
Public transit (DART) exists, but most newcomers find it impractical for daily use.
Healthcare
Dallas is home to top medical systems like Baylor, UT Southwestern, and Texas Health. Costs are competitive:
Family health insurance premiums: ~$550–$750/month (employer-sponsored).
Doctor visits: Similar to national averages ($25–$50 co-pays).
Comparing Dallas to Other Cities
Dallas vs Austin: Dallas homes are ~$150K cheaper on average, and property taxes are similar.
Dallas vs Houston: Houston is slightly cheaper in housing, but Dallas has more job diversity.
Dallas vs California metros (LA/SF): Dallas is significantly more affordable in every category — especially housing and taxes.
👉 Related: Dallas vs Austin – Which City Is Better in 2025?
Overall Cost of Living Index
Using national averages as 100:
Dallas: ~105
Austin: ~120
New York City: ~180
Houston: ~98
Dallas is slightly above average, but the higher salaries and no state income tax help balance it out.
Final Word
The real cost of living in Dallas comes down to housing + transportation. Everything else is relatively manageable. If you plan smart — whether renting, buying resale, or negotiating new construction deals — Dallas can give you more house, more lifestyle, and more opportunity for your money compared to most major metros.
👉 Thinking about relocating? Check out our Ultimate Moving to Dallas Guide for the full picture.
