Dallas, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida, are two of the largest cities in the United States, each marked by unique cultural, economic, and environmental characteristics. While they share some similarities, there are significant differences in crime rates, weather, cost of living, education, economic factors, infrastructure, industries and occupations, major employers, real estate, neighborhoods, and taxes. Sports, food culture, geographic conditions, and healthcare also vary. Choosing between them depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, career opportunities, and budget.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Jacksonville, FL : 906.0 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 35%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Jacksonville has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) during that time.
Compared to national averages, Dallas has a higher crime rate, both in terms of property and violent crimes. Dallas' crime rates can vary significantly based on the neighborhood. Jacksonville's crime rates are also high, but lower than Dallas. It's important for both residents and tourists to stay vigilant and take precautions in both cities.
Cost of Living
While Jacksonville has a cost of living near the national average, Dallas is slightly above. Housing is a significant factor driving cost differences, with Dallas generally higher than Jacksonville. The cost of groceries, healthcare, and utilities are comparatively lower in Jacksonville. Those thinking of relocating should consider this based on their financial capabilities.
Income Tax
Texas, including Dallas, does not levy state income tax. Florida also does not charge state income tax, making both cities attractive for those looking to save on income taxes.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Dallas tend to be significantly higher than the national average due to lack of state income tax. Jacksonville has lower property taxes relative to Dallas, contributing to affordability for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Dallas has a sales tax rate of 8.25%, while Jacksonville’s sales tax rate is lower at 7.0%. This might affect your overall cost of living and shopping experiences.
Income
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$58,621
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$32,953
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
88.3
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $54,417 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas lies in the Southern Plains and is relatively flat with some rolling hills. Jacksonville, on Florida's northeastern coast, boasts beautiful beaches, rivers, and inland waterways, making it attractive for water sports and outdoor activities.
Both cities have a diverse array of educational opportunities. Dallas has a more extensive and higher-rated public school system and numerous reputed universities like the University of Texas at Dallas. Jacksonville hosts the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Education quality and opportunities may vary based on the neighborhood in both cities.
Dallas has a more diversified economy, with sectors like technology, defense, financial services, and healthcare contributing significantly. Jacksonville's economy is largely based on healthcare, financial services, and the military. Both cities have steady job growth, but Dallas tends to have a higher median income.
Biggest Employers
Dallas' largest employers are the American Airlines Group, Texas Health Resources, and AT&T. Jacksonville's biggest employers are the Naval Air Station, Duval County Public Schools, and the city of Jacksonville.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Jacksonville
Dallas
Jacksonville
Dallas
Jacksonville
2020
65.1%
51.3%
33.4%
47.5%
1.4%
1.2%
2016
60.8%
47.2%
34.7%
48.6%
4.5%
4.2%
2012
57.3%
47.9%
41.8%
51.5%
1.0%
0.6%
2008
57.4%
49.0%
42.0%
51.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2004
49.0%
41.7%
50.4%
57.9%
0.5%
0.3%
2000
45.0%
40.9%
52.7%
57.7%
2.4%
1.4%
1996
46.0%
44.2%
46.8%
50.0%
7.2%
5.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Jacksonville
Dallas
Jacksonville
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
9.0%
2.4%
2.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
15.8%
31.1%
22.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.7%
1.1%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.2%
1.5%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.7%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
Weather
Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate with more influence from the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in slightly cooler summers and warmer winters. Jacksonville is more prone to hurricanes, especially from June to November. For both cities, residents and tourists should consider the climatic conditions while planning their stay or visit.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
68.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
78.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
92%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
51.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
69.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
58%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
7.2 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Jacksonville
Jacksonville
Dallas
Dallas
Jacksonville
Dallas
Jacksonville
Dallas
Jacksonville
Dallas
Jacksonville
2018
86
78
N/A
N/A
5.7
N/A
28.7
24.5
N/A
N/A
9.7
7.1
0.4
N/A
2017
84
74
N/A
N/A
5.5
N/A
28.6
24.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
5.8
0.3
0.7
2016
81
65
0.50
N/A
6.1
N/A
27.2
24.9
N/A
N/A
8.4
5.2
0.2
0.4
2015
85
63
0.35
N/A
6.5
N/A
26.7
25.4
N/A
N/A
8.9
4.9
0.3
0.3
2014
83
66
0.27
N/A
6.3
N/A
27.6
24.3
N/A
N/A
9.9
5.9
0.3
0.7
2013
97
68
0.18
N/A
7.3
N/A
28.8
23.0
N/A
N/A
13.0
5.3
0.2
0.7
2012
116
66
0.10
N/A
8.6
N/A
31.0
24.0
N/A
N/A
12.0
5.8
0.3
0.6
2011
98
88
0.28
N/A
9.4
N/A
30.9
26.6
N/A
N/A
11.9
8.1
0.6
0.8
2010
79
77
0.31
N/A
9.4
N/A
28.3
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
0.7
0.8
2009
88
72
0.16
N/A
9.2
N/A
28.8
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
0.5
0.6
2008
88
75
0.15
N/A
9.8
N/A
29.2
27.6
0.121
N/A
N/A
10.0
0.5
0.9
2007
94
92
0.29
N/A
11.0
N/A
25.7
28.4
0.070
N/A
N/A
11.4
0.3
1.2
2006
107
87
0.35
N/A
10.8
N/A
30.6
29.0
0.106
N/A
N/A
10.8
0.7
1.4
2005
108
93
0.42
N/A
13.0
N/A
29.7
26.5
0.142
N/A
11.0
12.2
0.9
1.8
2004
96
92
0.40
N/A
12.3
N/A
26.0
25.2
0.099
N/A
N/A
12.4
0.8
1.4
2003
102
55
0.43
N/A
13.6
N/A
27.1
21.6
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.6
2002
100
59
0.49
N/A
14.0
N/A
25.2
22.2
0.080
0.003
N/A
N/A
0.4
1.7
2001
100
74
0.49
N/A
14.3
N/A
26.0
24.0
0.069
0.009
N/A
N/A
1.0
2.5
2000
109
85
0.52
N/A
14.5
N/A
27.0
25.1
0.092
0.017
N/A
N/A
1.1
3.0
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
75.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
18.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
24%
Transportation
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) serves Dallas with buses and light rail. The city is also served by major highways and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Jacksonville is a car-centric city with limited public transportation options, mainly served by buses and the Skyway monorail. Jacksonville International Airport serves the city.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
566
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
34
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Bicycle
0.3%
0.2%
Bus
1.4%
1.1%
Carpooled
10.9%
9%
Car alone
83.9%
86.5%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Average
31.5 min
27.5 min
Other means
26.5 min
25 min
Public transportation
46 min
43.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0%
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 Dallas tends to be more expensive than in Jacksonville, due to demand and high growth. However, home values and rental prices can vary significantly by neighborhood in both cities. Jacksonville offers more affordable housing options, especially for those looking to buy.
Neighborhoods
Dallas provides diverse neighborhoods from the bustling Uptown with its myriad entertainment options to the family friendly North Dallas. Jacksonville also has a wide variety of neighborhoods, like the affluent San Marco or the beachfront Jacksonville Beach.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Houses
591,773
422,315
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1985
Median year house/condo built
1969
1987
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
12.5 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
386,283 (91.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
226,429 (58.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
159,854 (41.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,444
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,154
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$260,045
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$239,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$282,276
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$177,341
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$144,947
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$220,508
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$87,589
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$213,709
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$266,926
Median house age
40
36
Renting percentage
55.9%
38.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
557.4
House value disparities
41.3%
33.2%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$83,160
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$59,777
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
2,439 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
8,460 (5.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
150,468 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
255 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
11,378 (7.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Jacksonville
One, detached
41.8%
59.4%
One, attached
4.3%
6.1%
Two
1.5%
2.1%
3 or 4
4.9%
5.3%
5 to 9
7.9%
5.0%
10 to 19
12.1%
7.9%
20 to 49
8.1%
4.9%
50 or more
18.4%
5.3%
Mobile homes
1.0%
3.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
19,601
State government workers
17,325
13,692
Unpaid family workers
754
1,066
Industries and Occupations
In Dallas, the largest industries include professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, and retail trade, while most people work in management and sales. In Jacksonville, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and finance are key industries, and occupations are evenly spread among office and administrative support, sales, and management roles.
Both Dallas and Jacksonville offer high-quality healthcare with renowned hospitals. Dallas hosts the Southwestern Medical Center, while Jacksonville is home to the Mayo Clinic. Each city provides a broad range of healthcare services and specialties.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas benefits from a more developed infrastructure with bustling downtown, interconnected highways, and a well-developed public transit system, including light rail. Meanwhile, Jacksonville is the largest city in terms of area in the U.S., making it more spread out and reliant on cars for transportation. Infrastructure may influence the quality of life and convenience for residents, as well as tourists.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Jacksonville
Hospitals
74
25
TV stations
25
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
394
191
Bank institutions located here
80
31
Main business address for public companies
122
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
20
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Jacksonville
1999
5,030
5,422
2000
3,390
4,132
2001
2,626
3,038
2002
2,657
2,017
2003
3,617
3,563
2004
5,460
4,781
2005
7,445
7,134
2006
7,397
8,812
2007
5,056
5,298
2008
2,200
1,719
2009
1,121
676
Culture and Food
Dallas boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a strong Arts District, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Dallas cuisine is deeply rooted in Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Southern fare. Jacksonville culture is influenced by a mix of Southern and coastal Florida traditions, with a cuisine focused on seafood, Southern BBQ, and soul food.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), the Texas Rangers (MLB), and the Dallas Stars (NHL). Jacksonville is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (minor league baseball).
Dallas, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Dallas, TX and 
Jacksonville, FL : 906.0 miles
