Dallas vs Houston
Intra-Texas mega-city choice
MapsToIt comparison snapshot
Dallas or Houston — which fits a move?
Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX is a common relocator matchup (intra-texas mega-city choice). Houston posts the lower MapsToIt housing cost index (90 vs 101; 100 = U.S. avg), with median homes near $253,400 versus $295,300. Dallas has the lower citywide violent-offense rate (862.9 vs 1072.2 per 100k). Dallas shows the higher median household income ($67,760 vs $62,894). Dallas runs hotter in summer (96°F vs 92°F). Dallas shows the lower county unemployment rate (4.7% vs 5.2%). Average commutes are roughly even.
Side-by-side metrics
Figures use the same ACS housing index, BLS unemployment, FBI rates, and NOAA normals as each city profile — shown against U.S. / catalog baselines.
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX | U.S. / catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,326,087 | 2,390,125 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $62,894 | $78,538 U.S. avg · 14% below U.S. avg |
| Median home value | $295,300 | $253,400 | $303,400 U.S. avg · Near U.S. avg |
| Median rent | $1,403 | $1,313 | $1,348 U.S. avg · Near U.S. avg |
| Housing cost index | 101 | 90 | 100 U.S. avg · 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 4.7% | 5.2% | 4.2% U.S. rate · county LAUS, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 27 min | 28 min | 25 min Catalog avg · 8% above catalog avg |
| Violent crime rate | 862.9 / 100k | 1072.2 / 100k | 559.5 / 100k Catalog avg · citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 3321.3 / 100k | 4319.5 / 100k | 3005.3 / 100k Catalog avg · citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 283 days | 258 days | 268 days Catalog avg · 6% above catalog avg · relatively higher |
| Summer high | 96°F | 92°F | 87°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 40°F | 48°F | 35°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
When should you pick Dallas?
Choose Dallas when you prioritize its specific mix: housing index 101, median rent $1,403, unemployment 4.7%, and 96°F summer highs — with research often starting in Downtown and Uptown.
When should you pick Houston?
Choose Houston when that profile fits better: housing index 90, median rent $1,313, unemployment 5.2%, and 92°F summer highs — newcomers often compare Downtown and Montrose.
Short verdict
Short verdict: pick Houston if housing cost is the binding constraint; pick Dallas if the lower citywide violent-offense rate matters more; pick Dallas for higher local incomes. The housing-index gap is 11 points. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.