Dallas and Austin are two of the most populous cities in Texas, each with its distinct attributes that make them appealing to both residents and tourists. When comparing both cities across various factors such as crime and safety, cost of living, education, and economy, significant differences emerge. These differences can largely influence one's living experience and decision on relocating. This article aims to compare and contrast upon these parameters to better inform a person's decision-making process about relocation or simply visiting these lively cities.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Austin, TX : 181.7 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 34%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Austin has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) during that time.
Dallas has a slightly higher overall crime rate compared to Austin, with particular differences in property crime rates. This means that safety or concerns about crime could possibly be more pressing in Dallas. However, it's important to note that crime rates can vary greatly within a city, depending on the neighborhood. According to NeighborhoodScout, there are safer neighborhoods in both cities which boast significantly lower crime rates than their city's average.
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 4,297 registered sex offenders living in Dallas and 1,411 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Austin is 672 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Dallas than in Austin.
Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, Dallas tends to be a bit more expensive overall than Austin, especially when considering housing costs. However, it's worthy to mention that both cities are relatively cheaper compared to many other major US cities. When factoring in other expenses such as groceries, healthcare, transportation, and utilities, the costs are quite similar between the two cities.
Income Tax
In line with Texas law, neither Dallas nor Austin impose a local income tax. Furthermore, Texas is one of the few states that do not have a state income tax, making it attractive for those seeking to reduce their tax burden.
Property Tax
While Texas does not impose a state property tax, local property taxes can be quite high. Both Dallas and Austin have similar property tax rates, with Dallas having slightly higher rates depending on the county. This should be a consideration for anyone planning on buying a home in either city.
Sales Tax
Both Dallas and Austin have a 8.25% city sales tax, which includes the Texas state sales tax of 6.25%, along with additional local taxes. Neither city has any additional local sales taxes beyond the state rate.
Income
Type
Dallas
Austin
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$79,542
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$53,937
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
96.4
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $50,156 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is located in North Texas and is part of the relatively flat Blackland Prairies region, whereas Austin is located in Central Texas, in the Hill Country region, offering more hills and scenic landscapes. Both cities have numerous parks and green spaces, but Austin is particularly known for its outdoor recreational opportunities thanks to the Hill Country's natural features and the presence of the Colorado River.
Both cities offer a range of quality education options. Austin is home to the University of Texas, one of the largest schools in the nation, and several other higher education institutions. Dallas, too, boasts several universities and colleges, including Southern Methodist University and University of Dallas. Dallas has more primary and secondary school options, but Austin frequently ranks higher in terms of educational attainment with a higher percentage of people having a bachelor's degree or higher.
Both Dallas and Austin have vibrant economies with diverse job markets. Dallas, having a larger population, offers a broader spectrum of job opportunities, with strengths in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology. Austin, on the other hand, known as the "Silicon Hills", is a major hub for high-tech industries, with a burgeoning tech startups scene and a significant presence of established tech companies.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, some of the largest employers include Texas Health Resources, Lockheed Martin, and AT&T. Austin, on the other hand, has Dell, the State of Texas, and the University of Texas at Austin as some of its biggest employers. Both cities also have significant employment in retail and hospitality sectors, thanks to their vibrant tourism industries.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Austin
Dallas
Austin
Dallas
Austin
2020
65.1%
71.7%
33.4%
26.5%
1.4%
1.8%
2016
60.8%
65.8%
34.7%
27.2%
4.5%
7.0%
2012
57.3%
60.2%
41.8%
36.2%
1.0%
3.6%
2008
57.4%
63.8%
42.0%
34.4%
0.6%
1.8%
2004
49.0%
56.1%
50.4%
42.1%
0.5%
1.8%
2000
45.0%
41.7%
52.7%
47.0%
2.4%
11.3%
1996
46.0%
52.4%
46.8%
40.0%
7.2%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Austin
Dallas
Austin
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
17.3%
2.4%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
8.0%
31.1%
22.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
1.2%
1.1%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.4%
1.5%
2.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.7%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.0%
0.9%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.9%
0.7%
2.1%
Weather
Weather-wise, both cities fall within the humid subtropical climate zone. They experience hot summers and mild winters, but Austin tends to be slightly hotter and drier compared to Dallas. Dallas, on the other hand, receives more rainfall and is also more prone to tornadoes given its location within the Tornado Alley.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Austin
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
68.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
75.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
40%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
49%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
33.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
1.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
19.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
63.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
50%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
7.2 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Austin
Austin
Dallas
Austin
Dallas
Austin
Dallas
Dallas
Austin
Dallas
Austin
2018
86
76
N/A
N/A
5.7
4.9
28.7
26.7
N/A
N/A
9.7
8.7
0.4
0.2
2017
84
76
N/A
N/A
5.5
4.6
28.6
29.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.3
0.3
0.3
2016
81
71
N/A
N/A
6.1
4.2
27.2
29.5
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.2
0.2
0.2
2015
85
78
N/A
N/A
6.5
4.4
26.7
28.9
N/A
N/A
8.9
8.6
0.3
0.3
2014
83
74
N/A
N/A
6.3
5.2
27.6
28.3
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.7
0.3
0.5
2013
97
78
0.09
N/A
7.3
5.5
28.8
29.5
N/A
N/A
13.0
8.6
0.2
0.5
2012
116
86
0.13
N/A
8.6
5.5
31.0
30.1
N/A
N/A
12.0
8.6
0.3
N/A
2011
98
83
0.11
N/A
9.4
2.6
30.9
33.0
N/A
N/A
11.9
9.1
0.6
N/A
2010
79
77
0.05
N/A
9.4
3.2
28.3
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
0.7
N/A
2009
88
76
0.05
N/A
9.2
2.6
28.8
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
0.5
N/A
2008
88
81
0.12
N/A
9.8
3.2
29.2
30.7
0.121
N/A
N/A
9.7
0.5
N/A
2007
94
82
0.12
N/A
11.0
3.1
25.7
27.1
0.070
N/A
N/A
9.8
0.3
N/A
2006
107
89
0.14
N/A
10.8
3.8
30.6
31.3
0.106
N/A
N/A
10.0
0.7
0.2
2005
108
92
0.15
N/A
13.0
4.4
29.7
29.0
0.142
N/A
11.0
10.7
0.9
0.2
2004
96
74
0.16
N/A
12.3
3.3
26.0
26.8
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
N/A
2003
102
85
0.26
N/A
13.6
4.2
27.1
28.9
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
0.1
2002
100
83
0.33
N/A
14.0
3.9
25.2
27.2
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
N/A
2001
100
83
0.31
N/A
14.3
4.2
26.0
25.5
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2000
109
86
0.28
N/A
14.5
4.7
27.0
27.8
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Austin
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
137.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
80.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
29%
Transportation
Both cities have reliable public transportation systems. Dallas benefits from the extensive DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) network while Austin has the Capital Metro system. However, both cities are spread out, and owning a car can be more convenient for commuting. Traffic can be a challenge, particularly during rush hour, in both cities.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Austin
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
911
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
21
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Austin
Bicycle
0.3%
0.8%
Bus
1.4%
1.5%
Carpooled
10.9%
7.9%
Car alone
83.9%
85.9%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Austin
Average
31.5 min
29.9 min
Other means
26.5 min
22.7 min
Public transportation
46 min
37.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Austin
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
91.2%
In 2 person carpool
9%
6.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real-estate in both cities is booming, but Austin's housing market is hotter with higher median home prices, due in part to the influx of tech workers and companies. Dallas has a more diverse range of housing options and, generally, slightly lower prices. However, given their extensive suburbs, both cities offer plenty of opportunities for homeownership at various price points.
Neighborhoods
Dallas has a more urban feel, with its vibrant downtown area and established suburbs like Plano and Grapevine. Austin, known for its slogan, "Keep Austin Weird," has a more relaxed, laid-back vibe and unique neighborhoods like the artsy SoCo (South Congress) and Rainey Street. Both cities, however, have neighborhoods well suited to families, singles, and retirees.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Austin
Houses
591,773
469,156
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1997
Median year house/condo built
1969
1988
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
449,399 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
196,458 (43.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
252,941 (56.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,286
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,521
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$549,769
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$482,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$595,996
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$393,984
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$262,826
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$576,111
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$56,102
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$459,657
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$571,154
Median house age
40
28
Renting percentage
55.9%
54.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,865.3
House value disparities
41.3%
28.4%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$141,177
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$86,430
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
1,799 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
6,421 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
132,628 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
206 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
8,515 (6.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Austin
One, detached
41.8%
43.1%
One, attached
4.3%
5.2%
Two
1.5%
2.4%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.9%
7.2%
10 to 19
12.1%
11.0%
20 to 49
8.1%
8.9%
50 or more
18.4%
17.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
38,777
State government workers
17,325
46,229
Unpaid family workers
754
102
Industries and Occupations
Dallas is known for its diverse economy with major industries including defense, financial services, life sciences, and telecommunications. The city is home to many Fortune 500 companies such as ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Southwest Airlines. Austin, conversely, has a predominant high-tech industry with companies like Dell, IBM, and Amazon having significant operations there. The city is also recognized for its green and renewable energy sector.
Both cities boast top-rated hospitals and a multitude of healthcare facilities. Dallas is home to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, one of the leading healthcare research institutions in the U.S. Austin, on the other hand, benefits from its proximity to Houston, which houses the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Austin
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In terms of infrastructure, both cities are well-equipped. Dallas, being larger, has a more extensive infrastructure, including several airports, highways, and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system. On the other hand, Austin has also seen significant development in recent years, with developments like the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. However, traffic congestion is a significant issue in both cities.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Austin
Hospitals
74
65
TV stations
25
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
394
264
Bank institutions located here
80
43
Main business address for public companies
122
44
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
46
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Austin
1999
5,030
4,733
2000
3,390
2,950
2001
2,626
2,038
2002
2,657
1,772
2003
3,617
2,213
2004
5,460
2,458
2005
7,445
3,121
2006
7,397
3,367
2007
5,056
2,560
2008
2,200
1,747
2009
1,121
1,067
Culture and Food
Both Dallas and Austin have rich cultural scenes, but they offer unique experiences. Dallas is known for its high-end shopping, vibrant arts district, and world-class museums. It has a diverse food scene with a wide range of cuisines available. Austin, often referred to as the "Live Music Capital of the World," is known for its live music, festivals such as SXSW, and its thriving food truck culture alongside a vibrant restaurant scene.
Sports Teams
If you're a sports fan, Dallas has more to offer. It is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Texas Rangers (MLB), and Dallas Stars (NHL) among other professional and collegiate sports teams. Austin doesn't have any major league teams, but it does have the University of Texas Longhorns, and it recently welcomed Austin FC to Major League Soccer.
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX and 
Austin, TX : 181.7 miles
