CCCityCheck
SafetyCostCitiesProvidersSearch

Dallas vs Austin: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Austin is 14% more expensive than Dallas. Austin is 12% safer. Dallas has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Dallas population: 1,329,491. Austin population: 1,002,632.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingDallas
SafetyAustin
WeatherDallas
HousingDallas

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Dallas vs Austin

Dallas is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.

CategoryDallasAustin
Overall Index105120
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$2,990/moIndex: 168
Groceries$402/moIndex: 98$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Dallas vs Austin

Austin is 12% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Dallas's 44.8. Austin earns a D- safety grade compared to Dallas's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Dallas

Texas

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeD+
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate44.8/1K
TrendImproving
D-

Austin

Texas

Overall GradeD-
Violent CrimeB-
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate39.5/1K
TrendStable
MetricDallasAustin
Overall Crime Rate44.8/1K39.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate680.0350.0
Property Crime Rate3800.03600.0
Murder Rate9.64.6
Assault Rate535.6278.3
Robbery Rate103.860.6
Burglary Rate504.3461.8
Theft Rate3024.23112.6
Vehicle Theft Rate916.4763.2

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Dallas, you have a 1 in 22 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 25 in Austin.

Climate: Dallas vs Austin

Dallas Climate Overview

Annual High77.5°F
Annual Low56.9°F
Annual Rain37.9"
Annual Snow1.5"
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthOctober
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarmHot

Austin Climate Overview

Annual High80.2°F
Annual Low58.7°F
Annual Rain33.9"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarmHot

Monthly Temperature Comparison

DallasAustinHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricDallasAustin
Avg Annual High77.5°F80.2°F
Avg Annual Low56.9°F58.7°F
Annual Rain37.9"33.9"
Annual Snow1.5"None
Comfortable Months65
Freezing Months00

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Dallas is 5°F colder in winter than Austin. Dallas gets 2 inches of snow annually, while Austin rarely sees any. Dallas has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas cheaper than Austin?
Dallas is 14% more affordable than Austin, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 120 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,314/mo in Dallas vs $2,990/mo in Austin.
Is Dallas safer than Austin?
Austin is 12% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Dallas's 44.8. Austin earns a D- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Dallas or Austin?
Austin is 2.700000000000003°F warmer on average as Dallas. Dallas has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Annual snow: Dallas gets 2", Austin gets none.
Should I move to Dallas or Austin?
It depends on your priorities. Austin is safer (D- grade). Dallas is more affordable (index 105 vs 120). Dallas has better year-round weather. Dallas has a population of 1,329,491 and Austin has 1,002,632. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Dallas compared to Austin?
Dallas has a population of 1,329,491 and Austin has 1,002,632. Dallas is 33% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Dallas or Austin?
Housing is cheaper in Dallas. Estimated monthly housing costs: Dallas $2,314/mo vs Austin $2,990/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 168 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Dallas Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
D-
Austin Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

Know before you go

CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.

Explore cities