Dallas and Austin are two incredibly popular cities in Texas. They are the third and fourth biggest cities in the state after San Antonio and Houston. While geographically similar, these two cities each have their own unique identities and charm, making them two common options if you’re thinking of moving to Texas. Which one is best? Which city will be right for your family? Here are a few of the ways the cities differ so you can decide for yourself.

Cost of living in Dallas vs. Austin

One of the first considerations you’ll likely have is the cost of living. Dallas definitely wins out here for affordability.

Especially when it comes to major cities, Dallas is fairly affordable. You’ll find that the cost of living in Dallas is about the same as the national average, although it is slightly more expensive than Texas overall. Housing tends to be slightly less expensive in comparison to the United States on average, but transportation is often more expensive.

Austin tends to have a higher cost of living than Dallas, and a significant portion of that is due to housing costs. You can expect other areas of bills, including your utilities, transportation, and grocery purchases, to be fairly similar to  Dallas.

Housing costs in Dallas vs. Austin

The real estate market is constantly shifting for both Dallas and Austin, but Dallas wins out in the housing market as well.

The median listing price for Dallas homes is around $410,000, and rent comes in at around $1,475 on average. Median housing prices can also shift dramatically depending on the neighborhood, so be aware that you’ll spend more to live in a more popular neighborhood.

The median price for Austin homes is much higher, at around $649,000, and the median rent is also higher, coming in at about $1,715. While this is a fairly significant amount of money, it might not be enough to make or break your choice. You should simply be aware that you’ll spend more money on housing when living in Austin.

Food scene in Austin vs. Dallas

Texas is known for its mouth-watering cuisine, and you’ll find incredible food in both of these destinations, and the main distinction in the culinary scene in Austin and Dallas is noted by what type of food each area excels in.

Austin tends to have a trendier culinary experience, with options like brisket tacos, elevated BBQ, and even ramen available for hungry Austin locals to enjoy. This food scene utilizes old-school Texas flavors while incorporating new-school Texas trends.

Dallas, on the other hand, tends to embrace down-home, traditional southern cuisine. While you’ll still find street tacos and brisket, you’ll also experience more traditional southern food, like biscuits and gravy, as well as plenty of other comfort foods available at popular restaurants like Ms. Mary’s Southern Kitchen.

Nightlife and entertainment in Austin vs. Dallas

While both Austin and Dallas are large cities,with plenty of nightlife opportunities in both, Austin may have a slight edge on the competition.

Known as  “The Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has over 250 live music venues in town, and you can explore them all throughout the day and night. Additionally, the Rainey Street District includes a large number of bars, providing access to a true nightclub atmosphere that affords Austin residents a wide variety of establishments to fit each personality and preference.

Dallas, also has its fair share of nightlife opportunities. There’s a vibrant music scene in Dallas, especially within the Deep Ellum neighborhood, where you  can also find plenty of upscale, trendy options for new drinks and styles. The Texas honky tonk sensation is alive and well in Dallas, and you can find plenty of venues dedicated to the classic Southern twang.

Cultural experiences in Austin vs. Dallas

While Austin and Dallas are very similar, they  have their own unique cultural experiences that distinguish each city.

Austin is well-known for its creativity and community of artists. Aside from the music scene, residents also enjoy plenty of art and cultural experiences in Austin,  including the well-known South by Southwest festival, the Art in Public Places tour, and The People’s Gallery, a celebration of Austin’s diversity.

Dallas also has its fair share of cultural hotspots, including the Dallas Museum of Art. The area is well-known for showcasing art galleries, such as the Nasher Sculpture Center, and celebrating its diverse population and the art they create. The Frontiers of Flight Museum gives even more insight into the Dallas nickname “The Aviation Capital of the World.”

Outdoor activities in Austin vs. Dallas

Both Dallas and Austin have predominantly favorable weather throughout the year, allowing for outdoor activities and enjoyment.

Austin is celebrated for its incredibly beautiful scenery and ’Instagrammable’ spots all throughout the area. If you’re looking to go boating or take a dip, then check out Lake Travis, Barton Springs, or Lake Austin. If you’d rather climb a mountain or enjoy a picnic outdoors, then Mount Bonnel might be more your style.

Dallas has a number of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as the incredibly beloved Dallas Arboretum Botanical Garden and Fair Park. Katy Trail is also one of the most well-known trails in the area, and if you’re willing to travel toward nearby Fort Worth, you can enjoy other natural beauty, including the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.

Local schools and education in Austin vs. Dallas

Whether you’re raising children or looking for a educational opportunities for yourself, there are many options available in Austin and Dallas.

Austin has strong opportunities for education for both primary and university levels. . There are many K-12 schools in the Austin area, and the University of Texas at Austin is a popular college option for many people who are pursuing secondary education.

There are substantially more K-12 schools in Dallas, likely due to the significantly larger geographical area, and greater population of residents. Schools in this area also often serve Fort Worth and Arlington. There’s also the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas, based out of nearby Denton.

Sports scene in Austin vs. Dallas

The sports scene in both Austin and Texas is incredibly intense, spurred on by long-running competition between the two. Sports fans will absolutely have something to love about both options.

Austin is home to the Austin FC, a professional soccer club that hosts its home games at Q2 Stadium. Some of their notable players include Sebastián Driussi, Brad Stuver, and Rodney Redes. Austin, as a strong college town, has a large focus on college sports, specifically football; The University of Texas Longhorns are a source of great pride among Austin residents.

Dallas, on the other hand, is notable for its team, FC Dallas, which holds home games at Toyota Stadium. Some notable players for FC Dallas include Paul Arriola, Matt Hedges, Alan Velasco, and their head coach, Nico Estévez. Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks play out of Dallas — the Cowboys are one of the most well-known football teams in the United States, and what the Longhorns are to Austin football, the Cowboys are to Dallas football. The city also has its own NHL, MLB, and WNBA professional teams. 

Find a great home wherever you end up

So which is it, Dallas or Austin? These two Texas cities offer prospective residents two unique living experiences. While both share commonalities, you’ll find varying options for housing, entertainment, and culinary expertise. Regardless of where in Texas you end up, you deserve to get a great home in the area. That’s where Zumper comes in, making it easy for you to find the right home for your needs. Zumper can even help you discover short-term home rentals so that you can take a few weeks to ensure you’re going to be happy living in the neighborhood you’ve chosen.

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