Dallas vs. Houston – Everything is big in Texas, they say. But when it comes to city rivalries, two cities always make the most significant headline – Dallas and Houston.
Being the nation’s fourth-largest city and Texas’ biggest metropolis, Dallas is a bustling juggernaut of economic activity, culture, and evolving neighborhoods.
It has been named “the world’s most economically powerful city” by Forbes magazine in 2008 which also indicates its booming economy.
Many Dallasites are proud of their city’s booming economy, its growing arts scene, and its burgeoning music industry.
However, when it comes to city rivalries, two cities always make the most significant headline – Dallas and Houston.
“In the last decade, Dallas has been the fastest-growing major league city in the country” said Margaret Wittliff, deputy director of the Texas State Historical Association in Austin.
“It’s not surprising that many people think of Houston as a bigger rival than Dallas. Houston is larger in many ways, but Dallas has definitely been growing, with the booming business and the influx of people moving here.”
Statistics have shown that in the last few years, Houston has been gaining on Dallas as one of the most populous metropolitan areas.
The city of Houston boasts a population of 2.2 million compared to Dallas’ 1.2 million. At first glance, this is enough to put Houston as a clear winner over Dallas.
Is Dallas or Houston Better to live?
Dallas vs. Houston
The question of which city is better, Dallas or Houston, is a bit tricky. Before we answer that though, let’s make sure you’re asking the right question.
If you’re wondering when to choose between the two cities then don’t bother reading any further. We recommend both cities because they have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Let’s start with you city of choice. Dallas has a better economy, more cultural diversity and lower crime than Houston.
The two cities have almost identical climate and they’re both known as having some of the best and worst street food in the nation.
The question is: which one of these two cities is the better place to live? You might want to read this article on how weather affects your quality of life.
The answer is that, if you want to live in Dallas and get the best of both worlds, then choose Dallas. If you want to live in Houston and enjoy more cultural diversity and more crimes than Dallas then choose Houston.
In fact, most people do better living in your chosen city than they think they will. There are many reasons for this but one of the biggest ones is that people underestimate how much crime affects their quality of life.
Crime is a leading cause of stress, anxiety and depression in our nation. It can be a huge contributor to a person changing their habits.
You might not notice the difference at first. You might think you’re having a quiet day free from crime but there’s no doubt that you’re living in a safer place than if you lived in another city.
Why is crime so important? The reason it’s so important is because it affects your mood and how productive you are day to day. It’s also expensive.
Living in a safer place gives you more money to spend on things you enjoy. So, don’t be afraid of crime if that’s what it takes for you to live in a safer place.
In fact, the less crime the better for your quality of life. There are many ways crime affects our lives and many ways we can do something about it. And, for now, Texas is doing a great job of keeping crime levels low.
Is it cheaper to live in Houston or Dallas?
Is it cheaper to live in Houston or Dallas?
If you’re considering where to live in the United States, why not consider whether it’s cheaper to live in Houston, Texas or Dallas, Texas.
These are two of the most populous cities in the nation and have a large number of jobs available for their residents. Some of these jobs can even pay upwards of $300,000 per year. However, with this type of salary comes an increased cost of living.
There are factors to consider regarding costs of living when moving to Dallas or Houston such as housing, groceries, and entertainment. All of these factors can impact your total cost of living.
The Cost Of Housing
The average cost per square foot for a one bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,197 whereas the average is $1,050 for a two bedroom apartment according to Rent Cafe’s recent study on the cost of housing in cities across America.
In Houston, the average cost of a one bedroom is $1,038 whereas the average apartment costs $955 for a two bedroom.
The average cost per square foot is higher in Dallas than it is in Houston so you should expect to pay out more if you want to live in the city.
If you are thinking of buying a home as opposed to renting then consider whether it’s cheaper to buy in Dallas or Houston.
Zillow’s recent study on home affordability in the top ten most populous cities in the US ranked Dallas at no. 3 and Houston at no. 8. The average home in Dallas is worth $209,000 whereas the average home in Houston is worth $160,000.
The Cost of Groceries
According to the USDA, the cost of day to day groceries are cheaper in Houston than in Dallas where the average cost for a family of four amounts to $163 per week or $1,264 per month.
In the above chart, Dallas is ranked at no. 6 whereas Houston is ranked at no. 20. The cost of a three day supply of groceries in Dallas amounts to $131 whereas the cost of a three day supply in Houston amounts to $106.
If you are in the market for organic or local produce then consider where you want to live and whether or not it’s cheaper to live in Houston or Dallas.
The Cost of Entertainment
The average cost of a movie ticket in Dallas is $10.56 whereas the average cost in Houston is $9.79.
A round of 18 holes at the local golf course costs around $45 at a public course in Dallas whereas the same round will set you back around $40 in Houston.
If you are thinking about grilling up some chicken wings then consider whether it’s cheaper to buy them whole or pre-cut.
A whole chicken costs around $1.98 per pound in Dallas whereas the same amount of pre-cut chicken will set you back around $2.31.
You’ll find a wealth of information on the cost of living in Dallas and Houston at Movinga which is an international relocation company specializing in international moving from France to the United States or to other countries such as Canada and Australia.
Movinga has studied the cost of living in Houston and Dallas and it is found that you should expect a slight increase in your total cost of living if you move to either city.
Is Dallas expensive to live in?
Dallas is a great place to live, but can be quite expensive as well. The average annual income in Dallas is $59,000.
Such a high income would indicate that living expenses are not too high, but the cost of monthly rent for an average house in Dallas averages out to be $2,614.
That’s no small feat considering the median household income in the United States is only $56,516 according to the Census Bureau.
The high cost of rent explains the high amount of money that Americans need to work in order to get by. The average American needs $31,000 a year to live – and this does not include their monthly mortgage or car payment.
However, a Dallas resident would need about $42,400 or more in order to afford the average home in Dallas.
There are a number of reasons why living in such expensive cities can be worth it for someone.
It can be great for career growth: If you live in a place where most of the population works inside the office, this means that there will be a high demand for your services. This job market can benefit everyone, including the residents of such places.
It would also mean that if you start your own business, it would have an easier time getting off the ground.
It can be great for meeting people: As opposed to a small city, the population in cities is much greater than those found in small towns.
This means that there are likely more types of people to meet. You’ll have a larger community of people to choose from.
You can be your own boss: In many big cities, this would mean that you would be open for business outside of the office as well as inside it (if you chose).
Is Dallas safer than Houston?
Dallas is a safer city than Houston. Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to choosing where you want to live. There are many factors that contribute to the safety and quality of life in a city.
Dallas is a better fit for those seeking safety, peace and quiet, cleanliness, and convenience.
Dallas boasts lower crime rates than most other cities in Texas. In the past few years, the Dallas Police Department has taken an aggressive campaign against property crimes such as robbery and burglary.
The Dallas Police Department has made a concerted effort to work with business owners, landlords and community leaders to fight crime on all fronts.
In addition, the Dallas Police Department has a low tolerance for drunk drivers. The Dallas Police Department will also cite you for loud car stereos and speeders, two big causes of accidents.
Houston is dangerous and dirty
Don’t get scared away by Houston’s reputation. Every city has some crime, but Houston is more dangerous than most other cities in Texas.
Houston is ranked seventh in the nation in crime rate. Houston property crime rates are the sixth highest in the nation. Houston has a high number of murders and aggravated assaults.
These high crime rates are not just a product of a few bad neighborhoods either. According to NeighborhoodScout, 6% of the city’s neighborhoods account for over 55% of its crime.
Houston also suffers from higher than average instances of pollution and excessive noise levels (the second highest in the nation). Neighbors will likely have to feel the effects of noise in the form of car alarms, stereos, and construction.
Is Dallas safe?
The last few years have seen an increased police presence in Dallas. The decrease in crime rates is a direct result of aggressive policing strategies.
Police officers are working with business owners, landlords and community leaders to fight crime on all fronts.
There are some areas in Dallas that are more dangerous than others. The area of town you decide to live in will greatly affect your safety. NeighborhoodScout has ranked Dallas as the second safest city with a population of over 500,000.
Noise is another issue that plagues residents in certain Dallas neighborhoods. If you find yourself living next to a bar or dance club, you may find yourself listening to amplified music and loud car alarms at all hours of the day and night.
Is it hotter in Dallas or Houston?
It is the hot, humid summers in Houston that make it seem to be hotter than it actually is.
The humidity you experience in Houston is intense, making it unbearable. But there are ways to combat this problem and still enjoy your stay in the city.
Despite being less humid, Dallas has a more fluctuating temperature than Houston. Dallas, on the other hand, experiences less air pollution. This means Dallas is cooler than Houston, and thus less humid to our residents and visitors.
Dallas also boasts one of the largest green spaces in the country. The “D” at Uptown, which stands for Dallas, is known for its beautiful parks and nature trails in addition to its entertainment venues that make it a city people want to visit all year long.
Chicagoans will not be surprised by this article. Both cities are located in the Midwest, enjoy similar temperatures and water.
The city with the most rapid growth in U.S. population is Houston, and it’s not even close. Dallas is the second most populated city in Texas.
Houston has the most people, but has a smaller population than Dallas. Houstonians have been complaining about us for years, but we have been able to grow without their consent.
Dallas has experienced an 11% growth rate in the past 10 years, and Houston has experienced a 12% growth rate for the same period.
Dallas residents are not at risk of Houston-like expansion, but if you want to live in a beautiful city that is not known for its hotter summers, come to Dallas.
