Houston vs. Dallas: Which is Better to Call Home?

Houston and Dallas are both largely populated cities in Texas that are quickly growing as more people flock to the Lone Star State. If you’ve had these two cities on your radar and aren’t sure how they compare, we’ll break down which of these cities may be better for you to call home.

Houston vs. Dallas Cost of Living

One of the main reasons people choose to call Texas their new home is because they can enjoy the city life with lower costs of living than other high-population states like New York and California. Plus, there’s no state income tax in Texas. But, what about the costs of housing and daily life in Dallas and Houston? Dallas is the more expensive of the two states, with housing costs being 15.8% more expensive than in Houston. In addition to housing, Dallas comes out more costly in overall costs, including groceries, health expenses, and utilities. The only area where Dallas is slightly less expensive than Houston is when it comes to transportation. Now, we can’t disregard salaries when looking into the costs of living in our comparison. According to Payscale, the average salary in Dallas is $73K, while in Houston it’s $74K. If you’re looking to get more bang for your buck, Houston may be the better option.

Houston vs. Dallas Job Opportunities

With remote work becoming more common, this category might not be relevant for you depending on what kind of job you have. But, if you work in an industry or profession that requires you to be onsite, then you’ll definitely want to consider what job opportunities are available within the city. Houston is known for its large energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and digital technology industries. The city also ranks third in the U.S. for Fortune 500 headquarters. It’s no doubt that the business climate in Houston is full of opportunities. Dallas’ major industries include technology, defense, healthcare, and financial services. Both cities have diverse job opportunities, with many well-known corporations calling these cities home. The city that’s best for you will depend on what industry you are specifically looking to work in, but the cities are comparable in terms of opportunities all around.

Houston vs. Dallas Culture & Entertainment

When it comes to dining, museums, and social activities, both Houston and Dallas have plenty to offer. From family-friendly activities to sporting events to bars for young adults, either city will have what you’re looking for. Houston edges ahead in dining and museums. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Houston’s diverse culinary scene, with delicious Mexican, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern restaurants, for example. Plus, there are over 150 museums in the Greater Houston Area. Dallas wins when it comes to green space and parks, in addition to having more of a small-town feel (as the city is more spread out) so you can enjoy a more local vibe.

The Climate in Houston vs. Dallas

Even if the cost of living and culture fit what you’re looking for, if the weather is unbearable, that might be a deal-breaker. Texas is not only one of the largest states by population; the state’s land area is the second largest in the U.S. Within the state, you’ll find different climates depending on what corner of the state you reside in. Houston is located by the Gulf of Mexico, which means that you’d be in a humid subtropical climate with fairly mild winters and plenty of rain during the warm seasons. While Dallas also has a humid subtropical climate, it’s slightly less humid and gets less rain each year. As Dallas isn’t located on the coast, hurricanes aren’t as big of a worry as in Houston, but the winters are a bit cooler in Dallas. The climate in both cities is relatively comparable with slight differences, but if want to avoid natural disasters like hurricanes, Dallas may be a better fit for you.

Houston vs. Dallas: Which is Better to Move To?

The city that’s best for you is subjective to what specific qualities you’re looking for. If you want to enjoy a lower cost of living while residing in a bustling, diverse city, Houston may be a better option for you. If you’re looking for a city with a better public transportation system and more outdoor spaces for your family, you may enjoy Dallas a bit more. Regardless of your choice, these two cities are excellent options and more people continue to move to these two locations because of their opportunities and charm.

How to Plan Your Dallas or Houston Move

Whichever city you choose to call home, one thing remains true for any local or long-distance move – it’s going to require a decent amount of planning ahead of time. If you’re coming from another state, it’s recommended that you book a moving company at least two months in advance. At Isaac’s Moving and Storage, we specialize in local, long-distance, and international moving – and we even have a location in the Houston area. Our professional movers receive the most extensive training in the industry, and over 77% of our business comes from customer referrals. Ready to start planning your Texas move? Contact us today to get a free estimate and learn more about how we can help you make your move as smooth as possible.

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