Dallas is a modern city in North Texas, United States. Students who want to pursue higher studies in Dallas need to make a budget before moving to Dallas so that they can live there without any stress. The average cost of living in Dallas per month for one person is approximately USD 1,251.
Dallas not only has top-tier universities but it also offers an affordable cost of living along with a safe and loving environment. If you are considering relocating to Dallas for higher studies, please keep in mind the recent statistics on the cost of living in Dallas which will be helpful in managing the budget as per your limit. We have given the cost of living in detail for your reference. Let’s jump straight into discussing the cost of living in Dallas.
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Cost of Living in Dallas
On average, the cost of living in Dallas per month for one person is approximately USD 1,251 without rent. However, a one-room apartment rental cost can be around USD 1,200 to USD 2,500. Understanding the expenses of living in Dallas is important for students to balance their budget according to their desired lifestyle.
The cost of living for an individual in Dallas depends on many factors, such as housing rent, transportation costs, grocery prices, utility bills and some other essential costs. While Dallas is a more affordable area in Texas, its cost of living can vary according to student preferences and lifestyle choices. Here are some categories that drive up the cost of living in Dallas:
Also Read: Cost of Living in Virginia: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Costs of Accommodation in Dallas
A one-bedroom apartment in Dallas City can cost you around 1,863 USD per month, while a 3 BHK apartment can cost up to USD 3,845. However, the average cost of accommodation in Dallas depends on factors, like location and size of an apartment.
Housing costs are a major part of the cost of living in Dallas, Texas. By looking at the following table, you can get an idea of the average housing cost both inside and outside the city centre in Dallas:
Apartment | Location | Approx Monthly Cost |
Single-Bedroom Apartment | City Centre | USD 1,863 |
Single-bedroom Apartment | Outside the Centre | USD 1,497 |
Three -bedrooms Apartment | City Centre | USD 3,845 |
Three -bedrooms Apartment | Outside the Centre | USD 2,826 |
Cost of a Utility in Dallas
People in Dallas spend approximately USD 243 per month on basic utility costs such as electricity, water, heating, garbage bills, etc. For your convenience, we have already included the cost of utilities in the cost of living in Dallas. In the following table, utility costs in Dallas are given for your reference:
Utility Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
Basic Utility for an apartment (Water, Electricity, Cooling, Heating and Garbage) | USD 243 |
Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | USD 71 |
Internet Plan (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | USD 72 |
Cost of Grocery in Dallas
Maintaining a grocery budget in Dallas is important for students relocating there. However, the grocery costs can vary according to your preferences and quality of items. Generally, the cost of groceries is a significant part of the basic cost of living in Dallas. The average price of groceries in Dallas is shown in the table below:
Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
Milk (regular), (1 litre) | USD 0.95 |
Eggs (regular) (12) | USD 2.60 |
Apples (1kg) | USD 4.90 |
Banana (1kg) | USD 1.48 |
Oranges (1kg) | USD 4.81 |
Tomato (1kg) | USD 4.40 |
Potato (1kg) | USD 3.64 |
Onion (1kg) | USD 2.88 |
Lettuce (1 head) | USD 2.07 |
Rice (white), (1kg) | USD 4.64 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | USD 3.61 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) | USD 2.31 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Madagascar: A Comprehensive Guide
Restaurant Food Costs in Dallas
Dallas offers a delicious taste of its culinary and food culture at affordable prices. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a restaurant or savouring street food, Dallas’ amazing food scene has something for everyone.
The average cost of a meal at an affordable restaurant is around USD 20. Additionally, a meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant, consisting of three main courses, can cost around USD 80.
Transportation Costs in Dallas
Getting around Dallas by public transportation will incur certain costs. Typically, a one-way ticket fare in Dallas is around USD 3. The cost of using public transportation in Dallas depends on the type of service, and distance travelled. However, we have already included transportation costs in the total cost of living in Dallas for your convenience. But for your reference, we have outlined the average cost of transportation in Dallas in the following table:
Mode of Transport | Approx Monthly Cost |
One-way Fare Ticket for Local Transport | USD 3.0 |
Regular Monthly Pass | USD 95 |
Cost of Taxi Start | USD 3.00 (Normal Tariff) |
Cost of Taxi 1 km | USD 1.74 (Normal Tariff) |
Cost of Taxi 1 hour Waiting | USD 24.00 (Normal Tariff) |
Gasoline | USD 0.81 per litre |
Cost of Living in Dallas Compared to Other States
In general, Dallas offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other cities in US states with abundant opportunities for work and entertainment. For your reference, we have given the cost of living in Dallas compared to other cities like San Francisco, NYC, Houston, Austin, Nashville and Atlanta. So that you can get an idea of how affordable it is to live in Dallas for higher studies compared to other countries or cities. Please have a look:
Cost of living city-wise | Approx Costs | Comparison Cost of Living in Dallas |
Cost of Living in San Francisco | USD 1,502 | Higher than Dallas |
Cost of Living in NYC | USD 1,695 | Higher than Dallas |
Cost of Living in Houston | USD 1,108 | Lower than Dallas |
Cost of Living in Austin | USD 1,137 | Lower than Dallas |
Cost of Living in Nashville | USD 1,218 | Lower than Dallas |
Cost of Living in Atlanta | USD 1,314 | Higher than Dallas |
Average Cost of Tuition Fees in Dallas
Along with the cost of living in Dallas, the main expense for a student is tuition fees at universities in Dallas. It is also very important to understand that the average tuition fees can vary according to the course and level of education.
Since, searching and getting an idea about the average tuition fees in universities in Dallas is a difficult task. That’s why the average tuition fees at universities in Dallas are given in the table below for your reference.
Name of University in Dallas | Approx Tuition Fees |
Southern Methodist University | USD 64,460 |
Texas Christian University | USD 57,220 |
The University of Texas at Dallas | USD 44,812 |
The University of Texas at Arlington | USD 29,660 |
University of North Texas | USD 24,644 |
Texas Woman’s University | USD 23,140 |
Texas A&M University-Commerce | USD 22,626 |
It is wise to manage the estimated living expenses of Dallas before going there for higher studies so that you can enjoy the amazing culture of Dallas without affecting the bank balance.
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FAQs on the Cost of Living in Dallas
Answer: The average cost of living in Dallas is around USD 1,251 without including the rent. However, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas can range from USD 1,200 to USD 2,500. Please note that these costs may vary according to area and preferences.
Answer: The average cost of living in Dallas, TX is approximately USD 1,251, which is slightly higher than the United States cost of living of USD 1,168. So yes, living in Dallas, TX is a little expensive but it offers an amazing lifestyle and experiences.
Answer: The salary you need to live in Dallas must be higher than the average cost of living there to live comfortably. However, the base salary in Dallas after taxes is approximately USD 5,424 (source:numbeo), which is higher than the average cost of living in Dallas. This will help you live a happy life there.
Ans: The average cost of living in Dallas without rent is USD 1,251, while the average cost of living in Los Angeles (LA) is approximately USD 1,346. This shows that LA is more expensive than Dallas.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Dallas. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.