Dallas, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, offer contrasting lifestyle experiences. Dallas is known for its warm climate, thriving job market, and Southern charm, while Seattle offers a cooler maritime climate, a diverse economy centered on tech, and a stunning natural landscape. From economy to weather, Dallas and Seattle differ in numerous aspects, providing different appeals depending on individual preferences.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Seattle, WA : 1,679.7 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 76%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Seattle has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) during that time.
Safety is a concern for both residents and tourists in any city. In Dallas, the crime rate is higher than the national average, although it varies by neighborhood, while safety initiatives are underway to improve this. Seattle's crime rate is on par with the national average, but violent crimes are lower than national rates. Both cities have areas of caution, — common with any large 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 481 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Seattle is 1,464 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Dallas than that in Seattle.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Seattle is significantly higher than that in Dallas. This is primarily attributed to housing prices, which are significantly higher in Seattle. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are also costlier in Seattle, while transportation, fitness, and dining out, cost about the same in both cities.
Income Tax
One advantage Dallas holds is within Texas, which has no state income tax. This provides substantial savings for residents when compared to Seattle, where Washington's state income tax can be as high as 10.4%.
Property Tax
Dallas has a higher property tax rate when compared to Seattle. Dallas's average property tax is 2.08% of the home cost, while Seattle's is 1.03%.
Sales Tax
Dallas, within Texas, has a sales tax of 8.25% (6.25% state tax plus up to 2% local tax) while Seattle, Washington, has a sales tax of 10.1%, which is among the highest in the nation.
Income
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$110,781
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$74,733
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
118.5
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $61,655 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas's geographical landscape is relatively flat, characterised by prairie, wooded areas, and man-made lakes, while Seattle sits between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, offering a more varied and scenic geography.
Both cities boast strong educational systems. Seattle's education scene is particularly impressive, with its public schools ranking highly nationally. Dallas also offers a good selection of quality public, charter, and private schools. Both host renowned universities – the University of Washington in Seattle and Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
While Dallas's economy is diversified, it is particularly strong in the fields of defense, financial services, and IT services. Seattle, known as the home of tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, has a robust economy fueled by technology, aviation, and healthcare sectors. Both cities offer ample job opportunities but cater to different industries.
Biggest Employers
The largest employer in Dallas is American Airlines, while Seattle's largest employer is Amazon. Both cities host numerous Fortune 500 companies providing diverse career opportunities.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
2020
65.1%
75.1%
33.4%
22.3%
1.4%
2.6%
2016
60.8%
70.0%
34.7%
21.1%
4.5%
8.9%
2012
57.3%
69.0%
41.8%
28.5%
1.0%
2.5%
2008
57.4%
70.2%
42.0%
28.1%
0.6%
1.7%
2004
49.0%
65.1%
50.4%
33.8%
0.5%
1.1%
2000
45.0%
60.3%
52.7%
34.5%
2.4%
5.2%
1996
46.0%
56.4%
46.8%
31.4%
7.2%
12.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
14.4%
2.4%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
0.3%
31.1%
3.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.6%
1.1%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.8%
1.5%
2.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
1.7%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.3%
0.9%
4.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
0.7%
2.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
0.2%
2.9%
Weather
Weather varies significantly. Dallas enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, it is typical to see Texas sunshine around 234 days a year, making it attractive for sun-lovers. Seattle has a cool, wet climate due to its maritime influence. The city sees overcast weather most of the year, with summer being the driest season.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
52.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
78.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
36.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
21.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
11.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
49.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
20%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Seattle
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
Dallas
Seattle
2018
86
82
0.21
N/A
5.7
10.6
28.7
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
8.3
0.4
0.7
2017
84
92
0.23
N/A
5.5
11.1
28.6
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.8
0.3
0.3
2016
81
67
0.22
N/A
6.1
11.9
27.2
20.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.6
0.2
0.6
2015
85
81
0.23
N/A
6.5
10.8
26.7
19.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
8.5
0.3
0.8
2014
83
75
0.24
N/A
6.3
11.5
27.6
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
7.4
0.3
N/A
2013
97
81
0.24
N/A
7.3
N/A
28.8
17.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
9.1
0.2
0.8
2012
116
77
0.23
N/A
8.6
N/A
31.0
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
7.7
0.3
1.0
2011
98
72
0.24
N/A
9.4
N/A
30.9
18.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
7.5
0.6
1.1
2010
79
71
0.24
N/A
9.4
N/A
28.3
18.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
0.7
1.1
2009
88
94
0.27
N/A
9.2
N/A
28.8
17.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
0.5
1.4
2008
88
80
0.30
N/A
9.8
N/A
29.2
17.8
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
0.5
1.3
2007
94
83
0.30
N/A
11.0
N/A
25.7
18.2
0.070
N/A
20.3
N/A
N/A
7.9
0.3
1.5
2006
107
98
N/A
N/A
10.8
N/A
30.6
18.3
0.106
N/A
22.6
N/A
N/A
8.7
0.7
N/A
2005
108
101
0.80
N/A
13.0
18.3
29.7
N/A
0.142
N/A
24.5
N/A
11.0
9.5
0.9
3.5
2004
96
102
0.81
N/A
12.3
17.9
26.0
N/A
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
0.8
3.0
2003
102
91
0.78
N/A
13.6
18.5
27.1
N/A
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
1.0
2.4
2002
100
87
0.82
N/A
14.0
19.3
25.2
N/A
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
0.4
2.7
2001
100
88
0.90
N/A
14.3
20.7
26.0
N/A
0.069
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
1.0
3.7
2000
109
98
1.06
N/A
14.5
20.9
27.0
N/A
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
1.1
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
5.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
1,394.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
30%
Transportation
Dallas offers a blend of transportation options, including buses, trains, and highways. Data shows an average commute time of 27 minutes. Seattle offers similar options plus ferries, with a slightly longer average commute of 31 minutes.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
2
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Bicycle
0.3%
2.1%
Bus
1.4%
8.9%
Carpooled
10.9%
8.7%
Car alone
83.9%
67.8%
Ferryboat
0%
0.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Railroad
0.2%
1.2%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.3%
Subway
0.2%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Average
31.5 min
35 min
Other means
26.5 min
23.5 min
Public transportation
46 min
35.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.8%
89%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
1.1%
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 Dallas is diverse and generally more affordable compared to Seattle. Seattle's housing market is significantly pricier, with high demand contributing to soaring prices. However, both cities offer a range of housing options in different neighborhoods accommodating various tastes and budgets.
Neighborhoods
Dallas's neighborhoods, such as Bishop Arts District and Deep Ellum, are known for their vibrant arts scenes, while those like North Dallas offer upscale, suburban living. Similarly, Seattle's neighborhoods range from the lively and hip Capitol Hill to the family-friendly Green Lake.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Houses
591,773
384,799
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.1
Median year apartment built
1987
1987
Median year house/condo built
1969
1955
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
12.4 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
351,650 (91.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
161,587 (46%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
190,063 (54%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$2,780
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,984
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$860,506
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$848,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$764,579
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$719,049
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$626,370
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$226,727
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$925,507
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
40
47
Renting percentage
55.9%
51.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
4,587.9
House value disparities
41.3%
20.6%
Household income disparities
48.2%
42.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$189,767
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$112,771
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
2,459 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
12,354 (10.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
115,481 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
240 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
13,881 (11.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Seattle
One, detached
41.8%
39.6%
One, attached
4.3%
6.0%
Two
1.5%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.9%
3.2%
5 to 9
7.9%
5.7%
10 to 19
12.1%
7.0%
20 to 49
8.1%
11.9%
50 or more
18.4%
24.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
24,994
State government workers
17,325
27,235
Unpaid family workers
754
947
Industries and Occupations
Dallas's diverse economy accommodates various industries including defense, financial services, life sciences, semiconductors, and telecommunications. In Seattle, let's not forget technology and internet services, aerospace, healthcare, and clean energy. The occupations reflect these industrial presences.
Both cities offer high-quality health care services with renowned hospitals. Dallas houses the well-respected University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, while Seattle is home to the highly-ranked University of Washington Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Seattle
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas has a big city infrastructure with modern skyscrapers, high-tech sports facilities, and impressive museums. Seattle's infrastructure is equally developed, but more distinguished by its blend of modern architecture and preserved historical structures, plus the iconic Space Needle.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Seattle
Hospitals
74
22
TV stations
25
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
5
Bank branches located here
394
236
Bank institutions located here
80
37
Main business address for public companies
122
54
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Seattle
1999
5,030
1,357
2000
3,390
1,148
2001
2,626
890
2002
2,657
840
2003
3,617
1,421
2004
5,460
1,810
2005
7,445
2,341
2006
7,397
2,789
2007
5,056
2,273
2008
2,200
1,113
2009
1,121
748
Culture and Food
Dallas is known for its Southern charm and steak, and BBQ food options. It also has world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Seattle, on the other hand, offers a rich arts culture, natural attractions, and renowned foodie scene highlighting seafood and locally-sourced cuisine.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to several professional sports teams. Dallas hosts the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Texas Rangers (MLB). Seattle is home to the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), and Sounders FC (MLS), and the newly introduced Seattle Kraken (NHL).
Dallas, TX
Seattle, WA
Dallas, TX and 
Seattle, WA : 1,679.7 miles
