Living in Dallas, Texas, versus living in Denver, Colorado, offers a contrast in lifestyle, economics, and culture. Both are bustling metropolises with their unique advantages and pitfalls. This in-depth comparison looks at various aspects of life in these two cities, including safety, weather, cost of living, education, employment opportunities, infrastructure, industries, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, tax rates, culture, sports teams, geographical conditions, and healthcare facilities. This guide provides an objective view for those considering relocation or visiting as a tourist.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Denver, CO : 660.2 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 81%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Denver has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) during that time.
Dallas has a slightly higher crime rate compared to Denver. Violent crimes and property crimes in Dallas are above the national average. While Denver has its share of crime, it has lower rates in comparison. As for safety, both cities have focused on community policing to increase safety levels. Whichever city you choose, it is always advisable to research specific neighborhoods' safety before moving.
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 1,932 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Denver is 359 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Dallas is near to than in Denver.
Cost of Living
The cost of living tends to be lower in Dallas compared to Denver. Housing is particularly more affordable in Dallas, while the costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities are usually slightly lower in Denver. However, the overall cost of living varies depending on individual lifestyle and location within each city.
Income Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, which is a significant perk for Dallas residents. Colorado does impose a flat rate state income tax of 4.63%, which applies to Denver residents.
Property Tax
Property tax rates can be higher for Dallas homeowners, with the average property tax rate around 2.08% of a home's assessed value. In contrast, Denver homeowners face a lower average property tax rate of about 0.54%.
Sales Tax
Texas has no state sales tax, but Dallas imposes a local tax rate of 2%, making a total of 8.25% combined with the general tax. Colorado's sales tax is 2.9%, but Denver adds on an additional 4.31%, for a total of 7.21%.
Income
Type
Dallas
Denver
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$81,630
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$52,690
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
111.3
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $57,908 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is largely flat and is part of the Southern Plains. Denver is situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offering many outdoor recreational opportunities, like skiing and hiking. Denver is much higher in elevation than Dallas.
Both Dallas and Denver are home to reputable educational institutions. Dallas boasts some high-ranking public and private schools, while Denver is known for its progressive and diverse education system. Both cities also have well-established universities, like the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Denver.
Dallas has a strong economy anchored by a diverse range of industries including technology, financial services, and healthcare. Denver also has a robust economy, with major players in the aerospace, technology, and healthcare sectors. Both cities have low unemployment rates, with Dallas slightly lower than Denver.
Biggest Employers
Dallas is home to many major corporations including AT&T, American Airlines, and Texas Health Resources. Denver, on the other hand, has large employers like Lockheed Martin, Comcast, and HealthONE Corporation. Both cities offer ample job opportunities.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Denver
Dallas
Denver
Dallas
Denver
2020
65.1%
80.1%
33.4%
18.3%
1.4%
1.6%
2016
60.8%
74.2%
34.7%
19.0%
4.5%
6.8%
2012
57.3%
73.9%
41.8%
24.3%
1.0%
1.7%
2008
57.4%
75.8%
42.0%
23.2%
0.6%
1.0%
2004
49.0%
69.7%
50.4%
29.3%
0.5%
0.9%
2000
45.0%
62.0%
52.7%
30.9%
2.4%
7.0%
1996
46.0%
61.8%
46.8%
30.0%
7.2%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Denver
Dallas
Denver
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
26.6%
2.4%
8.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
0.9%
31.1%
6.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.5%
1.1%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.1%
1.5%
3.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.7%
3.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
2.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
0.7%
2.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.2%
1.1%
0.3%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
2.1%
0.2%
4.3%
Weather
Weather in Dallas is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Denver, known as the 'Mile-High City', experiences cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers due to its high altitude. Despite the colder weather, Denver boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, more than Dallas.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Denver
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
49.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
17 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
64%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Denver
Denver
Dallas
Denver
Dallas
Denver
Dallas
Denver
Denver
Dallas
Denver
Dallas
Denver
2018
86
100
0.50
N/A
5.7
25.4
28.7
27.9
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
9.7
8.6
0.4
0.7
2017
84
95
0.49
N/A
5.5
25.9
28.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
9.1
8.4
0.3
0.8
2016
81
90
0.53
N/A
6.1
27.7
27.2
27.2
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.4
8.7
0.2
1.0
2015
85
101
0.53
N/A
6.5
27.8
26.7
25.2
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
8.9
10.4
0.3
1.0
2014
83
94
0.53
N/A
6.3
25.4
27.6
24.6
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
9.9
10.1
0.3
1.3
2013
97
85
0.45
N/A
7.3
21.9
28.8
24.0
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
13.0
N/A
0.2
1.5
2012
116
91
0.33
N/A
8.6
18.9
31.0
26.2
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
12.0
N/A
0.3
1.4
2011
98
91
0.34
N/A
9.4
18.1
30.9
25.8
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
11.9
N/A
0.6
1.6
2010
79
82
0.43
N/A
9.4
16.3
28.3
23.6
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.0
2009
88
79
0.41
N/A
9.2
14.1
28.8
23.1
N/A
0.005
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
1.3
2008
88
85
0.43
N/A
9.8
17.3
29.2
26.0
0.121
0.008
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
1.6
2007
94
96
0.37
N/A
11.0
20.6
25.7
21.9
0.070
0.007
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
1.2
2006
107
89
0.51
N/A
10.8
19.0
30.6
22.1
0.106
0.008
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.4
2005
108
86
0.57
N/A
13.0
21.3
29.7
20.9
0.142
0.068
30.9
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
1.5
2004
96
82
0.60
N/A
12.3
21.2
26.0
19.2
0.099
0.012
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.8
2003
102
106
0.60
N/A
13.6
21.2
27.1
20.8
0.121
0.015
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.9
2002
100
86
0.65
N/A
14.0
19.2
25.2
20.4
0.080
0.014
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2.5
2001
100
95
0.86
N/A
14.3
23.6
26.0
18.6
0.069
0.012
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2.6
2000
109
93
0.81
N/A
14.5
13.4
27.0
19.2
0.092
0.013
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Denver
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
811.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
10%
Transportation
Dallas features extensive highway networks and a light rail system, DART. Denver's public transit system is run by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which includes buses, light rail, and an airport train. Traffic can be burdensome in both cities, but Denver usually has shorter commute times.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Denver
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
2
602
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Denver
Bicycle
0.3%
1.5%
Bus
1.4%
2.6%
Carpooled
10.9%
8.8%
Car alone
83.9%
81.1%
Railroad
0.2%
1.2%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.2%
Subway
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Denver
Average
31.5 min
29.4 min
Other means
26.5 min
24.2 min
Public transportation
46 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Denver
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
9%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
While real estate prices in both Dallas and Denver have risen over the years, Dallas homes are typically more affordable. Denver's real estate market is regarded as highly desirable due to the area's quality of life, causing it to experience faster growth in home prices.
Neighborhoods
Dallas has neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle, from the vibrant Deep Ellum to the family-friendly Highland Park. Denver offers similar diversity, from the artistic Santa Fe Art District to the upscale Cherry Creek. Both cities have a mix of historic and modern neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Denver
Houses
591,773
351,829
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.2
Median year apartment built
1987
1981
Median year house/condo built
1969
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
11.3 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
326,634 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
164,429 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
162,205 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,674
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,626
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$970,375
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$541,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$690,450
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$668,727
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$410,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$487,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$174,140
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$568,100
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$644,007
Median house age
40
47
Renting percentage
55.9%
50%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
2,294.3
House value disparities
41.3%
26.4%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$120,615
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$77,011
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
2,112 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
9,615 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
123,690 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
273 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
12,819 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Denver
One, detached
41.8%
42.9%
One, attached
4.3%
8.3%
Two
1.5%
2.1%
3 or 4
4.9%
3.1%
5 to 9
7.9%
3.6%
10 to 19
12.1%
7.0%
20 to 49
8.1%
10.4%
50 or more
18.4%
22.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
24,661
State government workers
17,325
15,204
Unpaid family workers
754
763
Industries and Occupations
Dallas serves as a hub for many Fortune 500 companies with a diversity of industries, including technology, financial services, and logistics. Denver’s economy is characterized by a vibrant start-up scene, and it's hot on the heels of Dallas in terms of tech growth, with a significant presence in the aerospace and biotech industries.
Both Dallas and Denver offer high-quality healthcare facilities. Dallas has a higher number of hospitals, including the highly-rated UT Southwestern Medical Center. Denver's healthcare is also reputable, with renowned facilities like the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Denver
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in both Dallas and Denver is well-developed, facilitating efficient commutes and high-quality public services. Dallas, perhaps better known for its sprawling highways, also offers a comprehensive light rail system. Denver is praised for its efficient transportation system and has substantial investment in infrastructure projects, like the expansion of Denver International Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Denver
Hospitals
74
16
TV stations
25
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
394
205
Bank institutions located here
80
43
Main business address for public companies
122
58
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Denver
1999
5,030
2,727
2000
3,390
2,698
2001
2,626
1,996
2002
2,657
1,591
2003
3,617
2,472
2004
5,460
3,789
2005
7,445
5,168
2006
7,397
5,506
2007
5,056
3,599
2008
2,200
1,902
2009
1,121
768
Culture and Food
Dallas, known for its Tex-Mex and BBQ, has a rich cultural scene with many museums and music venues. Denver, boasting an eclectic food scene with an emphasis on locally-sourced cuisine, also has a thriving arts scene and is particularly renowned for its craft beer culture.
Sports Teams
Both cities have passionate sports cultures. Dallas houses the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Stars (NHL), and the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), while Denver is home to the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), and Denver Nuggets (NBA). Denver also has a Major League Soccer team, the Colorado Rapids.
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Dallas, TX and 
Denver, CO : 660.2 miles
