Dallas, Texas and Washington, D.C. both offer viable options for living, working, and visiting. However, factors such as crime/safety rates, weather patterns, cost of living, tax policies, health care facilities, and cultural attractions vary considerably, affecting the overall quality of life. This comparison will provide a comprehensive insight into both cities, taking into account specific facets, which will help potential movers and tourists make a well-informed decision.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Washington, DC : 1,182.1 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 92%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Washington has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) during that time.
Dallas's crime rate is relatively higher than the national average, but the majority of crimes are committed in specific problematic areas. In contrast, Washington DC also grapples with higher crime rates, although downtown areas are safer, especially for tourists. Both cities have implemented measures to combat crime, with visible police patrols and safety campaigns.
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 1,072 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Washington is 635 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Dallas than in Washington.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Dallas is generally lower than in Washington, DC. Affordable healthcare and housing costs contribute to Dallas residents' spending power. Conversely, Washington, DC, being the nation's capital, has significantly higher housing costs, which largely influence the high cost of living.
Income Tax
Dallas residents benefit from the absence of state income tax in Texas. However, Washington, DC residents can expect to pay local income tax, in addition to federal income tax.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in Dallas is slightly lower than in Washington, DC. But, considering the higher real estate prices in DC, Dallas residents may end up spending less on property taxes.
Sales Tax
Dallas residents face a relatively high total sales tax rate of 8.25%, whereas Washington, DC residents deal with a slightly lower rate of 6%.
Income
Type
Dallas
Washington
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$90,088
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$65,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
124.2
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $64,620 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is characterized by a flat topography and hot climate, which may influence outdoor activities. On the contrary, Washington DC offers diverse landscapes from rivers to rolling hills.
In terms of education, Dallas is home to numerous quality schools, both public and private, and hosts several reputable universities. Washington, DC's education scene is also commendable, boasting renowned institutions and universities.
Dallas has a robust economy with an emphasis on sectors such as technology, financial services, and healthcare. In stark contrast, Washington DC's economy revolves around the federal government, but sectors such as education, tourism, and healthcare also provide vast employment opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, the biggest employers are AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and Dallas ISD. In Washington, DC, the federal government dominates as the largest employer, followed by MedStar Health and Georgetown University.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Washington
Dallas
Washington
Dallas
Washington
2020
65.1%
92.6%
33.4%
5.4%
1.4%
2.0%
2016
60.8%
90.9%
34.7%
4.1%
4.5%
5.0%
2012
57.3%
90.9%
41.8%
7.3%
1.0%
1.8%
2008
57.4%
92.5%
42.0%
6.5%
0.6%
1.0%
2004
49.0%
89.6%
50.4%
9.4%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
45.0%
85.2%
52.7%
9.0%
2.4%
5.9%
1996
46.0%
85.2%
46.8%
9.3%
7.2%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Washington
Dallas
Washington
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
12.6%
2.4%
7.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
4.4%
31.1%
10.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.7%
1.1%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
3.1%
1.5%
5.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
1.7%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
0.9%
2.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
6.2%
0.2%
10.3%
Weather
Dallas weather is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, while Washington, DC experiences a more moderate climate with humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature variations in both cities might affect residents' lifestyle and clothing choices.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Washington
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
56.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
68.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
81%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
42.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
32.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
15.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
61.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
45%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
9.7 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Washington
Washington
Dallas
Washington
Dallas
Washington
Dallas
Washington
Washington
Dallas
Washington
Dallas
Washington
2018
86
88
0.32
N/A
5.7
11.6
28.7
23.2
N/A
N/A
16.4
N/A
9.7
8.8
0.4
0.8
2017
84
84
0.32
N/A
5.5
12.3
28.6
24.9
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
9.1
9.8
0.3
1.0
2016
81
98
0.43
N/A
6.1
14.7
27.2
24.6
N/A
0.002
17.2
N/A
8.4
9.5
0.2
1.0
2015
85
91
0.34
N/A
6.5
14.8
26.7
26.2
N/A
0.002
17.0
N/A
8.9
10.4
0.3
1.3
2014
83
85
0.33
N/A
6.3
11.6
27.6
25.9
N/A
0.002
17.1
N/A
9.9
10.0
0.3
1.0
2013
97
88
0.34
N/A
7.3
11.7
28.8
25.6
N/A
0.002
17.3
N/A
13.0
11.6
0.2
1.0
2012
116
103
0.58
N/A
8.6
15.2
31.0
27.6
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
12.0
12.2
0.3
1.6
2011
98
105
0.67
N/A
9.4
15.4
30.9
27.7
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
11.9
11.4
0.6
3.1
2010
79
114
0.88
N/A
9.4
15.9
28.3
29.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
0.7
3.4
2009
88
90
0.86
N/A
9.2
16.2
28.8
24.4
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
0.5
4.6
2008
88
103
1.23
N/A
9.8
16.2
29.2
25.3
0.121
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
0.5
5.6
2007
94
113
1.17
N/A
11.0
16.8
25.7
27.1
0.070
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
0.3
5.1
2006
107
114
1.11
N/A
10.8
17.2
30.6
25.5
0.106
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
0.7
4.5
2005
108
105
0.86
N/A
13.0
20.5
29.7
22.7
0.142
0.006
N/A
N/A
11.0
11.7
0.9
4.5
2004
96
113
0.62
N/A
12.3
21.3
26.0
20.6
0.099
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
0.8
6.5
2003
102
108
0.90
N/A
13.6
23.6
27.1
20.8
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
1.0
8.3
2002
100
125
1.16
N/A
14.0
23.7
25.2
25.0
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
6.7
2001
100
113
1.07
N/A
14.3
23.9
26.0
22.0
0.069
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
6.7
2000
109
115
1.17
N/A
14.5
20.2
27.0
19.1
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
8.2
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Washington
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
110.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
42.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
19%
Transportation
Both Dallas and Washington, DC offer excellent public transit systems. Dallas has a well-connected bus and light rail network, while DC's Metro system is renowned for its efficiency and coverage.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Washington
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
456
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Washington
Bicycle
0.3%
2%
Bus
1.4%
6.3%
Carpooled
10.9%
7.8%
Car alone
83.9%
62.5%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
0.1%
10.6%
Subway
0.2%
1.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.8%
Walked
1.6%
5.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Washington
Average
31.5 min
39.2 min
Other means
26.5 min
26 min
Public transportation
46 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Washington
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
9%
9.7%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Dallas real estate is significantly more affordable than in Washington, DC. While Dallas offers affordable housing, DC's housing market is known for its high prices. Hence, homeownership could be more accessible in Dallas compared to DC.
Neighborhoods
Dallas neighborhoods range from cosmopolitan areas like Uptown to family-friendly ones such as Highland Park. Washington, DC, is famous for its well-planned neighborhoods, with Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle being the most notable ones.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Washington
Houses
591,773
357,482
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.1
Median year apartment built
1987
1965
Median year house/condo built
1969
1941
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
319,565 (89.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
132,936 (41.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
186,629 (58.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$2,791
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,817
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$996,150
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$669,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$471,443
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$527,983
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$817,288
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$790,542
Median house age
40
65
Renting percentage
55.9%
58%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
5,821.9
House value disparities
41.3%
26.7%
Household income disparities
48.2%
45.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$163,111
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$108,852
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
777 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
8,586 (8.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
100,122 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
1,057 (1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
12,793 (12.7%)
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%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Washington
One, detached
41.8%
11.2%
One, attached
4.3%
22.2%
Two
1.5%
2.7%
3 or 4
4.9%
6.8%
5 to 9
7.9%
7.3%
10 to 19
12.1%
8.5%
20 to 49
8.1%
7.6%
50 or more
18.4%
33.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
16,654
State government workers
17,325
6,699
Unpaid family workers
754
580
Industries and Occupations
Dallas's economy is diversified, with main industries including technology, financial services, healthcare, and communications. However, Washington, DC is known for government-related jobs. Nevertheless, the city's job market is diversified with education, tourism, and healthcare sectors significantly contributing to employment.
Dallas houses several high-ranking health facilities, while Washington DC offers top-class healthcare with renowned centers such as Medstar Georgetown University Hospital and George Washington University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Washington
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas offers modern infrastructure, from sturdy road networks to state-of-the-art buildings. However, Washington, DC outshines Dallas with its remarkable landmarks, roads, monumental buildings, and museums.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Washington
Hospitals
74
114
TV stations
25
27
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
394
247
Bank institutions located here
80
34
Main business address for public companies
122
30
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Washington
1999
5,030
1,328
2000
3,390
1,438
2001
2,626
935
2002
2,657
886
2003
3,617
1,319
2004
5,460
2,281
2005
7,445
2,920
2006
7,397
3,362
2007
5,056
2,548
2008
2,200
1,095
2009
1,121
514
Culture and Food
Dallas is renowned for its Tex-Mex cuisine, BBQ, and vibrant arts scene. Conversely, Washington, DC, is a cultural hub with various cuisines, renowned museums, theaters, and music festivals.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to several professional sports teams including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Texas Rangers (MLB). Washington DC is not far behind with teams such as the Washington Redskins (NFL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Nationals (MLB).
Dallas, TX
Washington, DC
Dallas, TX and 
Washington, DC : 1,182.1 miles
