Dallas vs Houston: 9 Things to Know BEFORE Moving (2024)

Both the city of Dallas and the city of Houston are big cities in Texas, a fact that implies a lot of similarities. However, each of these cities has its own distinct identity and offers plenty of unique reasons for picking it as a future home. Both cities provide different opportunities for both work and fun. In order to decide between the two, it is important to consider several different factors that highlight some of the differences between Dallas and Houston. Want some help weighing your options? Keep reading for a direct comparison of the differences between moving to Dallas vs. moving to Houston to help inform your decision.

Economically, Houston and Dallas have plenty of similarities but also plenty of differences. Each city has a diverse economy and plays host to a variety of different corporations in several different sectors. The difference between the two is largely based on the size of specific industries in the city. Houston's location on the water accounts for much of this difference, particularly in the oil industry.

Cost of Living in Dallas vs. Cost of Living in Houston

The cost of living in both of these cities is fairly close to the national average, though Houston is a little bit more affordable on the whole. On most cost of living metrics, the two cities are very similar. Both cities are located in Texas, and, therefore, residents do not pay income taxes. Both cities also have an 8.25% sales tax. Other expenses such as healthcare and utilities are slightly more expensive in Dallas than in Houston.

The main driver of the difference in the cost of living between the two cities is housing. The median home price in Dallas is overall about 15% higher than Houston's. For example, the overall median price of a Dallas condo is typically around $335,000, while the median for a Houston condo is closer to $285,000—though, of course, size, location, and other factors can change the price quite a bit in both metros.

Ultimately, the cost of living in Houston is a little bit lower than the cost of living in Dallas. The difference between the two is about 5%. This may vary for individuals based on their housing plans, as homeownership is the primary driver of that difference. Otherwise, both cities are very similar as large Texas urban areas.

Job Market in Dallas vs. Job Market in Houston

Both Dallas and Houston have growing job markets and are major hubs of the Texas economy. These growing cities are each outpacing the rest of the country on job growth, with Dallas in particular projected to add over 10% more jobs than the national average.

Much of the job growth in Dallas can be attributed to the technology sector. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to over 40% of the high-tech jobs in the state of Texas. The job market in Dallas is also helped by the growing airline and real estate industries.

Houston's legacy is that of an oil town, and today it is home to 44 of the 113 publicly traded oil and gas companies in the nation. However, the job market in Houston has grown diverse. The city has managed to attract plenty of corporations. It boasts the 3rd most Fortune 500 company global headquarters in the United States.

Top Industries and Biggest Corporations in Dallas and Houston

Dallas is a central shipping hub for the United States, with access to major airports, interstate highways, and railroads. The DFW metroplex is home to two major airports, Love Field in Dallas itself and DFW Airport in the nearby city of Arlington. Corporations with headquarters in the area include GameStop, J.C. Penney, AT&T, and Atmos Energy. American Airlines is the largest employer in the area. Other significant employers include Lockheed Martin, Southwest Airlines, Wal-Mart, and Texas Instruments.

Much like Dallas, Houston is also a major shipping hub—Houston is the number one foreign trading port in the United States by tonnage. Other large industries include energy, healthcare, and tourism. Houston is the headquarters of many major corporations, such as Halliburton, NRG Energy, and Academy Sports & Outdoors. The largest employer in Houston is Wal-Mart. Other major employers include Exxon-Mobil, Shell Oil Company, and United Airlines.

Overall, Houston and Dallas are very similar economically. Both have large, growing, and diversified economies with many different corporations. These corporations include several of the top names in the nation. The cost of living, while slightly higher in Dallas, is roughly the same. The major difference is in the size of particular industries, such as energy.

Dallas Commutes vs. Houston Commutes

Major Texas cities tend to be constructed with drivers in mind. Most Texans commute to work by car, sometimes at great distances. This is especially true for residents of the suburbs. However, proper planning can greatly reduce drive times in both Dallas and Houston.

Traffic Patterns and What to Expect During Rush Hour

Traffic patterns in Dallas and the greater DFW area vary a lot based on the time of day. Many residents of the area choose to live in the numerous suburbs and work in one of the major cities. This can lead to highways being clogged one way and clear the other. The Dallas rush hour can feel crowded, but traffic in the city is actually not as bad as it is in most major American cities. Even in rush hour traffic, getting from one end of DFW to the other generally only takes about an hour, or a few minutes over.

Houston's rush hour traffic can be difficult to navigate. Traffic near the Galleria Mall can get extremely congested during rush hour. The 610 Loop is considered to be the most congested highway in the state of Texas. Residents may choose to take the Sam Houston Parkway, which runs a loop around the city.

Public Transportation in Dallas vs. Houston

The primary form of public transportation throughout the DFW Metroplex is the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, commonly referred to as DART. This rail and bus system connects Dallas and the city of Fort Worth, with connections to many of the suburbs as well as DFW Airport. Dallas itself also has a trolley system that operates in the arts district.

The heart of Houston includes the MetroRail system, which connects points in downtown and other high-traffic areas such as NRG Park. Much of the rest of the city is served by the Metro bus system, which extends out to the suburbs. Additionally, there is also a regular bus service to the city of Galveston, perfect for enjoying a weekend in one of the waterfront homes in the area.

Public transportation options in Dallas and Houston are about equal in terms of coverage, and there is public transportation available to many of the most important parts of each city. While many Texans choose to drive to work, residents of Dallas and Houston may also have the option of public transit.

Best Suburbs in Each City for Downtown Commutes

DFW has a lot of suburbs. In order to pick the right one to live in, it is important to know the commute times. For those working in Dallas, one option is the city of Plano. Located just north of Dallas, Plano is a great city for those looking for short commutes to downtown. From Plano, the heart of Dallas is roughly a 30-minute drive away down US-75. It also has easy access to some of the larger suburbs in north DFW, such as the city of Irving and the Southlake community. Plano itself is known for its restaurants and shopping centers.

An excellent choice for suburban living near Houston is a home in The Woodlands. Residents of the luxury homes in this master-planned community can enjoy 30-minute commutes to downtown. The Woodlands is known for its amenities and live music venues. Many of the parks and nature reserves of the Houston area are also easily accessible from The Woodlands.

Dallas and Houston are very similar in that they are communities in which most residents commute to work by car. Both have some public transit infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas. However, picking a home within a reasonable driving distance is an essential consideration for many residents.

One of the attractions of living in one of the big cities is the array of things to do. Both Dallas and Houston fit the bill in that regard. These vibrant cities both have plenty of unique experiences available, and residents can enjoy hiking, swimming, theater, food, drinking, and much more.

Outdoor Activities in Dallas and Houston

Residents of Dallas have plenty of options for exploring the outdoors. The area is home to the Great Trinity Forest, one of the largest urban hardwood forests in the United States. Just north of the city is the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, which features over 6 miles of nature trails. Additionally, the nearby Fort Worth Zoo has been rated as one of the best in the world.

There is also a lot to do outdoors in Houston. Residents can enjoy kayaking in the numerous lakes and tributaries throughout the area. The nearby beaches such as Surfside Beach offer a lot of opportunities for fun as well. The Houston area also has several nature refuges, such as Big Thicket Park and Galveston Island State Park. One of the more unique Houston experiences is at Waugh Bridge, where hundreds of bats pour out from under the bridge at sunset.

Sports in Dallas vs. Sports in Houston

The DFW metroplex is home to several different professional teams. The city is home to both the Dallas Stars and the Dallas Mavericks. Both of these teams play at the American Airlines Center. The surrounding Victory Park Area is filled with sports bars and gets very busy on game days. The Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers both play in nearby Arlington, where visitors can enjoy the live music, food, and games to be found in the Texas Live complex between the stadiums.

Houston is also home to several teams. The MLB's Houston Astros play at Minute Maid Park, while the Houston Texans play at NRG Stadium. NRG Stadium is located in NRG Park, which contains several different sports venues and is surrounded by bars and restaurants catering to the game day crowd. Houston is also the home of the NBA's Houston Rockets. It is also home to one of the two rugby stadiums in the nation.

Dallas Nightlife vs. Houston Nightlife

Both of these exciting cities have a lot going on after dark. One popular nightlife location in Dallas is the House of Blues. Billboard Magazine has rated this music club located in Victory Park as the fourth most popular music club in the United States. Another nightlife attraction is the Gallery Rooftop Lounge. This bar sits atop a hotel downtown and combines drinks and snacks with views of downtown. It also features an infinity pool.

There are also plenty of things to do in Houston. In the Theater District, one can enjoy the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera. Another popular attraction is 40 Below, an underground bar and live music venue with a speakeasy theme. Wine lovers may choose 13 Celsius, which offers a rotating wine list and live music.

There is quite a bit of entertainment available in both Dallas and Houston. Each of these cities offers all kinds of fun at all times of the day. One of the benefits of living in a city that is the size of Dallas or Houston is the variety of activities on offer.

A Choice of Big Cities, But You Can't Go Wrong

Both of these cities provide the number of opportunities for work and fun that one would expect from such large communities. Each has a diverse and growing economy and plenty of recreation opportunities. These two cities highlight the best of what two distinct regions of Texas have to offer. Choosing between them entails looking at their unique identities and finding the best fit. Both cities are great places to live and play.