Houston and Dallas, two metropolises in Texas state accentuate distinctive Texan experiences. Boasting different economic foundations, weather variations, public transit efficiency, housing market and more, choosing between the two often boils down to personal preferences. Our detailed comparison touching on a range of factors will help you make a well-informed decision on which between Houston or Dallas matches your lifestyle.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Dallas, TX : 225.6 miles
Houston's population is larger by 78%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Dallas has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) during that time.
Houston and Dallas have comparable crime rates, with Houston slightly higher in violent crimes. Overall, both cities are implementing measures to enhance safety. Dallas police has implemented a program with a focus on crime hotspots. In Houston, the police is collaborating with residents through community policing efforts. Nonetheless, crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 7,854 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 4,271 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Dallas is 309 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Houston is near to than in Dallas.
Cost of Living
Houston has a slightly lower cost of living compared to Dallas, a major factor being housing. Utilities, groceries and health care are also slightly cheaper in Houston. The difference while not huge, is worth considering for long term living.
Income Tax
Texas as a state does not have income tax, benefiting residents of both Houston and Dallas.
Property Tax
The property tax rate is relatively higher in Texas due to absence of state income tax. But between the two cities, Houston has slightly higher property tax rates than Dallas.
Sales Tax
Texas doesn't have a state income tax. However, city sales tax varies, with Dallas at 8.25% and Houston at 7.25%. This difference is mostly attributed to Dallas investing more in public services and infrastructure.
Income
Type
Houston
Dallas
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$57,995
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$38,479
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $50,572 in Houston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is located near the coast, prone to more floods and hurricanes. Dallas, situated in North Texas, tends to be drier with less risk from natural disasters such as flooding.
Both cities boast of reputable educational institutions. Houston houses more than 40 colleges and universities, including Rice University. Dallas is home to Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas among others. For K-12, both cities have a mix of high-performing and under-performing schools.
Both cities have robust economies. Houston's economy is largely driven by the energy industry, including oil and gas. Dallas, however, has a more diversified economy with finance, healthcare, and tech being the major contributors.
Biggest Employers
Houston's biggest employers include Memorial Hermann Health System and Texas Children's Hospital, plus Exxon Mobil and Shell. In Dallas, the biggest employers include AT&T, American Airlines, and Texas Health Resources.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
2020
56.0%
65.1%
42.7%
33.4%
1.3%
1.4%
2016
54.0%
60.8%
41.6%
34.7%
4.4%
4.5%
2012
49.4%
57.3%
49.3%
41.8%
1.3%
1.0%
2008
50.5%
57.4%
48.9%
42.0%
0.6%
0.6%
2004
44.6%
49.0%
54.9%
50.4%
0.5%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
45.0%
54.4%
52.7%
2.6%
2.4%
1996
45.2%
46.0%
49.2%
46.8%
5.6%
7.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
18.9%
3.6%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
11.0%
26.8%
31.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
3.6%
1.6%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.0%
1.4%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.5%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
1.1%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.7%
1.7%
Weather
Warm summers and mild winters characterise both cities but there’s a variation in humidity. Houston, being close to the Gulf of Mexico, experiences high humidity year-round. Dallas on the other hand, has a drier, less humid climate, especially in summer. Dallas is also less prone to hurricanes compared to Houston.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Dallas
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
66.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
37.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
54%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
Houston
Dallas
2018
102
86
0.19
N/A
9.2
5.7
21.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
10.0
9.7
0.3
0.4
2017
96
84
0.16
N/A
9.4
5.5
23.1
28.6
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.1
0.3
0.3
2016
91
81
0.16
N/A
10.4
6.1
22.7
27.2
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.4
0.2
0.2
2015
109
85
0.15
N/A
10.1
6.5
21.7
26.7
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.9
0.2
0.3
2014
98
83
0.24
N/A
10.4
6.3
21.8
27.6
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.9
0.3
0.3
2013
106
97
0.25
N/A
11.1
7.3
23.0
28.8
N/A
N/A
10.6
13.0
0.4
0.2
2012
115
116
0.25
N/A
11.6
8.6
23.8
31.0
N/A
N/A
11.1
12.0
0.5
0.3
2011
118
98
0.27
N/A
10.8
9.4
24.6
30.9
N/A
N/A
11.5
11.9
0.8
0.6
2010
110
79
0.25
N/A
12.8
9.4
22.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
11.4
N/A
1.1
0.7
2009
115
88
0.21
N/A
10.5
9.2
22.1
28.8
N/A
N/A
11.4
N/A
1.0
0.5
2008
105
88
0.30
N/A
13.1
9.8
22.1
29.2
0.006
0.121
12.4
N/A
1.3
0.5
2007
119
94
0.31
N/A
15.2
11.0
20.5
25.7
0.006
0.070
13.5
N/A
1.9
0.3
2006
134
107
0.32
N/A
14.6
10.8
22.3
30.6
0.006
0.106
13.0
N/A
2.3
0.7
2005
126
108
0.42
N/A
16.3
13.0
22.8
29.7
0.005
0.142
13.9
11.0
3.5
0.9
2004
137
96
0.44
N/A
17.7
12.3
20.4
26.0
0.010
0.099
N/A
N/A
3.2
0.8
2003
146
102
0.62
N/A
17.0
13.6
20.9
27.1
0.009
0.121
N/A
N/A
3.2
1.0
2002
128
100
0.55
N/A
16.1
14.0
19.7
25.2
0.007
0.080
N/A
N/A
1.7
0.4
2001
147
100
0.44
N/A
18.4
14.3
19.6
26.0
0.008
0.069
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.0
2000
136
109
0.50
N/A
17.0
14.5
22.0
27.0
0.008
0.092
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Dallas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
254.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
567%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
21%
Transportation
Dallas, compared to Houston, has a more robust public transportation system led by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Houston's Metropolitan Transit Authority has been working to improve public transit options, but car still remains the dominant mode of transportation.
Transport
Type
Houston
Dallas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
56
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Dallas
Bicycle
0.5%
0.3%
Bus
2.4%
1.4%
Carpooled
11.1%
10.9%
Car alone
81.2%
83.9%
Railroad
0.1%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Dallas
Average
32 min
31.5 min
Other means
27.1 min
26.5 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
46 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Dallas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
86.8%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
9%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
2.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.9%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston's real estate market generally offers lower housing prices than Dallas'. Quality and prices however can vary across neighborhoods within the city. Dallas' market is rapidly expanding, and the house prices are on the rise.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods. Houston has the Museum District, home to a wealth of museums and art galleries. There's the trendy Bishop Arts District in Dallas and the upscale University Park known for luxury homes and high-end shopping.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Dallas
Houses
1,028,763
591,773
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.6
Median year apartment built
1985
1987
Median year house/condo built
1976
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
13.9 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
536,008 (90.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
229,518 (42.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
306,490 (57.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,403
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,225
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$574,934
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$267,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$410,272
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$255,160
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$230,927
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$444,589
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$91,039
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$350,045
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$402,215
Median house age
40
40
Renting percentage
54.6%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
1,727.6
House value disparities
40.9%
41.3%
Household income disparities
49%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$103,798
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$61,909
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
1,309 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
3,320 (2.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
124,846 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
204 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
5,351 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Dallas
One, detached
43.2%
41.8%
One, attached
4.8%
4.3%
Two
2.2%
1.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.9%
5 to 9
7.1%
7.9%
10 to 19
10.9%
12.1%
20 to 49
7.7%
8.1%
50 or more
18.6%
18.4%
Mobile homes
0.9%
1.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
43,703
State government workers
38,359
17,325
Unpaid family workers
2,429
754
Industries and Occupations
Houston is globally renowned for its energy industry, especially oil and gas. Health care and construction are also significant. Dallas has a diversified economy where finance, technology, healthcare services and telecommunication industries thrive.
Both cities offer some of the best healthcare facilities in the nation. In terms of world rankings, however, Houston's Texas Medical Center-- the world's largest medical complex-- gives it an edge over Dallas.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Dallas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas claims a slight advantage in infrastructure with a more integrated transportation system, including the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Houston, while improving, still leans heavily on automobile transportation, with less-developed public transit options.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Dallas
Hospitals
156
74
TV stations
26
25
Arenas or stadiums
6
2
Bank branches located here
755
394
Bank institutions located here
81
80
Main business address for public companies
197
122
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Dallas
1999
9,163
5,030
2000
0
3,390
2001
0
2,626
2002
0
2,657
2003
8,173
3,617
2004
11,803
5,460
2005
15,127
7,445
2006
16,911
7,397
2007
10,643
5,056
2008
4,410
2,200
2009
2,279
1,121
Culture and Food
Both cities offer rich cultural scenes. Houston is known for its diverse food scene reflecting its multicultural population. Dallas, on the other hand, is known for its barbecue, Mexican, and Tex-Mex cuisines. Both are also home to various cultural and performing arts centers, and museums.
Sports Teams
Both cities have loyal fan bases for major sports. Houston has the Texans for NFL, Astros for baseball, and Rockets for NBA. Dallas has Cowboys for NFL, Mavericks for NBA, and Stars for NHL.
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
