Dallas, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada, offer contrasting experiences in terms of lifestyle, cost of living, and work opportunities. While Dallas is known for its booming businesses, tech industry, and traditional Southern charm, Las Vegas is recognized for its vibrant nightlife, tourism industry, and the warm desert climate. This comparison will delve into significant aspects including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more, offering a comprehensive overview of what it's like to live or visit Dallas and Las Vegas.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Las Vegas, NV : 1,073.8 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 99%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Las Vegas has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) during that time.
Dallas has a higher crime rate compared to Las Vegas, however, the nature of crime in both cities is different. While property crimes are more common in Dallas, Las Vegas has a higher prevalence of street crime, often associated with tourism. Also, Las Vegas has a more significant problem with drugs, which can influence the general safety of the city.
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 4,787 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Las Vegas is 132 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Dallas than in Las Vegas.
Cost of Living
While both cities offer a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many major U.S. cities, Dallas is generally cheaper. Dallas' living cost is mostly reflected in the affordable housing market, health care, and groceries. In contrast, Las Vegas has slightly higher living expenses, particularly in housing.
Income Tax
Neither Texas nor Nevada has a state income tax, offering residents the benefit of keeping more of their earnings.
Property Tax
Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, with Dallas levying a substantial rate. Alternatively, property tax rates in Nevada, including Las Vegas, are much lower.
Sales Tax
Texas has a sales tax of 8.25% while Nevada has a higher tax rate of 8.27%. Thus, cost of goods and services can be slightly more expensive in Las Vegas.
Income
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$59,746
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$33,825
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $51,561 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is a part of the Texan plains, featuring flat terrain and several lakes and parks. Conversely, Las Vegas is situated in a desert, with arid scenery and nearby red rock canyons.
Both cities have quality education institutions at all levels. Dallas is home to notable universities like Southern Methodist University and University of Texas. Las Vegas, on the other hand, boasts of the University of Nevada, offering quality tertiary education in a variety of fields.
Dallas has a robust economy revolving around sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies. Las Vegas' economy is heavily dependent on tourism and hospitality, offering plentiful jobs in these sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, major employers include AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and American Airlines. In Las Vegas, the biggest employers are typically in the hospitality industry, including MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
2020
65.1%
53.7%
33.4%
44.3%
1.4%
2.0%
2016
60.8%
52.4%
34.7%
41.7%
4.5%
5.8%
2012
57.3%
56.4%
41.8%
41.8%
1.0%
1.8%
2008
57.4%
58.5%
42.0%
39.5%
0.6%
2.0%
2004
49.0%
51.8%
50.4%
46.9%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
45.0%
51.4%
52.7%
44.8%
2.4%
3.8%
1996
46.0%
75.5%
46.8%
18.8%
7.2%
5.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
18.1%
2.4%
4.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
1.6%
31.1%
11.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.1%
1.1%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.1%
1.5%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.7%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
1.6%
Weather
Texas climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, while Las Vegas experiences intense heat in summers with mild to cold winters. Despite both cities having warm climates, the humidity level in Dallas is higher, making the heat feel more oppressive at times. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has a dry, desert climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
65.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
30.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
52%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
10%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
5.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
1.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
35.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
91.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
92%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
76%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
Dallas
Las Vegas
2018
86
100
0.42
N/A
5.7
13.1
28.7
37.2
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
9.7
6.0
0.4
0.7
2017
84
101
0.29
N/A
5.5
13.0
28.6
38.5
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
9.1
7.3
0.3
0.8
2016
81
97
0.38
N/A
6.1
11.2
27.2
36.5
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
8.4
8.7
0.2
0.8
2015
85
92
0.36
N/A
6.5
12.4
26.7
35.6
N/A
N/A
18.9
N/A
8.9
8.4
0.3
1.2
2014
83
91
0.40
N/A
6.3
10.8
27.6
36.5
N/A
N/A
21.1
N/A
9.9
9.2
0.3
1.4
2013
97
103
0.45
N/A
7.3
9.6
28.8
36.9
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.0
8.6
0.2
1.5
2012
116
94
0.49
N/A
8.6
5.9
31.0
38.5
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
12.0
8.3
0.3
1.4
2011
98
85
0.40
N/A
9.4
5.3
30.9
37.5
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
11.9
7.8
0.6
1.2
2010
79
86
0.50
N/A
9.4
5.7
28.3
36.6
N/A
N/A
16.1
N/A
N/A
7.1
0.7
N/A
2009
88
87
0.56
N/A
9.2
6.0
28.8
33.3
N/A
N/A
20.9
N/A
N/A
8.3
0.5
N/A
2008
88
82
0.66
N/A
9.8
8.2
29.2
33.0
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
0.5
N/A
2007
94
97
0.61
N/A
11.0
11.7
25.7
32.4
0.070
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
0.3
0.1
2006
107
102
0.75
N/A
10.8
13.4
30.6
32.7
0.106
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
0.7
0.8
2005
108
100
0.76
N/A
13.0
15.1
29.7
30.2
0.142
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
7.8
0.9
5.3
2004
96
85
0.71
N/A
12.3
16.0
26.0
30.6
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.6
2003
102
99
0.67
N/A
13.6
15.9
27.1
29.8
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2002
100
94
0.73
N/A
14.0
15.7
25.2
30.6
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
0.7
2001
100
95
0.76
N/A
14.3
15.0
26.0
29.4
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.1
2000
109
95
0.88
N/A
14.5
14.7
27.0
29.7
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
2.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
6,093.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
12%
Transportation
Public transport in Dallas is more extensive, making commuting convenient for professionals. Las Vegas, however, relies heavily on private cars for commuting, with a lesser presence of public transit. Both cities feature international airports, facilitating easy travel.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
81
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Bicycle
0.3%
0.1%
Bus
1.4%
2.2%
Carpooled
10.9%
10.3%
Car alone
83.9%
82.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.4%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.6%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Average
31.5 min
26.3 min
Other means
26.5 min
24 min
Public transportation
46 min
49.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.8%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Dallas offers more diverse options, with home prices being relatively lower. In contrast, Las Vegas' real estate is defined by its condo-style living and comparatively higher prices.
Neighborhoods
Both Dallas and Las Vegas host a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles, with avant-garde districts contrasted with quieter family-friendly suburbs. Las Vegas neighborhoods often feature a high-density living style, with ample night-life options, while Dallas neighborhoods tend to be more spread out and serene.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Houses
591,773
269,602
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.7
Median year apartment built
1987
1991
Median year house/condo built
1969
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
10.1 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
250,350 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
138,677 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
111,673 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,176
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,255
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$989,410
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$362,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$439,169
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$161,204
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$201,871
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$327,174
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$113,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$274,961
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$417,434
Median house age
40
27
Renting percentage
55.9%
43.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
2,379.4
House value disparities
41.3%
27.1%
Household income disparities
48.2%
47.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$90,388
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$62,287
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
1,172 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
4,450 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
95,992 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
178 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
5,092 (5.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Las Vegas
One, detached
41.8%
61.5%
One, attached
4.3%
5.3%
Two
1.5%
1.3%
3 or 4
4.9%
7.7%
5 to 9
7.9%
8.4%
10 to 19
12.1%
4.8%
20 to 49
8.1%
2.8%
50 or more
18.4%
6.8%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.4%
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
18,990
State government workers
17,325
6,950
Unpaid family workers
754
614
Industries and Occupations
While Dallas has a diverse economy with a strong presence in the technology, finance, and health sectors, Las Vegas is highly reliant on the tourism, gambling, and entertainment industries. The leading occupations in Dallas are in high-paying sectors like IT, while in Las Vegas, the most common roles are in lower-paying sectors like retail and hospitality.
Both Dallas and Las Vegas have good healthcare systems. Nevertheless, Dallas homes some of the country's top hospitals like UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas and Las Vegas both have good infrastructure, offering quality healthcare, education, and transportation. However, Dallas, as a larger and more populous city, has a broader range of facilities and services.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Las Vegas
Hospitals
74
39
TV stations
25
12
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
394
281
Bank institutions located here
80
34
Main business address for public companies
122
57
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
32
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Las Vegas
1999
5,030
2,657
2000
3,390
579
2001
2,626
371
2002
2,657
380
2003
3,617
3,590
2004
5,460
5,908
2005
7,445
7,894
2006
7,397
6,914
2007
5,056
3,733
2008
2,200
1,431
2009
1,121
813
Culture and Food
Dallas is renowned for its rich Southern culture and savory barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Las Vegas, known as a melting pot of cultures, offers an array of international cuisines.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to several popular sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). Las Vegas hosts the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL).
Dallas, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Dallas, TX and 
Las Vegas, NV : 1,073.8 miles
