Performance
Score Breakdown
Cambridge
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cambridge is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% lower compared to Dallas.
| Metric | Cambridge | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,480 | $1,412 | +5% |
| Groceries | $340 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $115 | $281 | -59% |
| Transport | $75 | $126 | -40% |
| Healthcare | $72 | $135 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $2,404 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 34% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Cambridge is estimated at
$32,800 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Cambridge | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $40,490 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $32,800 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,635 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $66,681 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Cambridge | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cambridge has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
13,000 minutes (217 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Cambridge | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 33.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 41.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Cambridge.
From a growth perspective, Cambridge is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Cambridge | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,908 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.36% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 8.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Cambridge
Advantages
Cambridge crime rates are 26% lower than the national average, indicating a high level of safety. [cite: 14 in previous step]
The city boasts a strong and diverse industrial base, including advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors, with major employers like Toyota. [cite: 16, 21 in previous step]
Cambridge Memorial Hospital completed a major expansion by 2024, offering modern acute care facilities. [cite: 19, 35 in previous step]
The city offers extensive natural trails and is situated along the Grand River, providing ample outdoor recreational opportunities. [cite: 7, 13, 15, 38 in previous step]
Cambridge maintains a rich heritage character with distinctive limestone architecture and vibrant cultural districts like the Gaslight District. [cite: 7, 11, 13, 15, 26, 27 in previous step]
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in the Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo CMA was 8.1% as of July 2026, which is higher than the national average. [cite: 29 in previous step]
Housing costs are a significant concern, with average rent being higher than the Canadian national average and home prices substantial. [cite: 3, 4, 10, 13, 23, 24 in previous step]
Public confidence in the healthcare system in Cambridge was reported as lower compared to other regional municipalities in 2023. [cite: 9, 45, 49 in previous step]
The city has a relatively low Walk Score (33) and Transit Score (35), indicating a car-dependent environment for most errands. [cite: 19, 22, 30, 41 in previous step]
Specific pockets within Downtown Galt and other areas experience higher rates of minor crimes like property crime and visible homelessness.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Cambridge
#21Ontario, Canada
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,480
Avg Salary
$40,490
Cost Index
85
Commute
min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
33.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.36%
Unemployment
8.10%
Livability
72
Business
68
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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