Performance
Score Breakdown
Memphis
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Memphis is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Memphis's average rent is
14% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Memphis | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,210 | $1,412 | -14% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $250 | $281 | -11% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $135 | -11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,100 | $2,404 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 26% 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 Memphis is estimated at
$70,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Memphis | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,562 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $51,736 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Memphis | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Memphis has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 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 | Memphis | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 20.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 19.40 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Memphis.
From a growth perspective, Dallas 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 | Memphis | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 609,647 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 34.2 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Memphis
Advantages
Memphis boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, particularly renowned for its rich musical heritage and diverse culinary offerings.
Utility rates in Memphis are among the lowest in the United States, contributing to overall affordability.
The rental market exhibits strong demand and low vacancy rates, indicating a stable environment for property owners and investors.
Memphis has seen significant reductions in overall and violent crime rates in 2025, with homicides declining by 26%.
Drawbacks
Memphis has experienced a consistent population decline in recent years, with a projected negative growth rate.
The city has a very high violent crime rate, significantly above the national average, despite recent reductions.
Despite low utility rates, a high energy burden disproportionately affects low-income households.
Memphis is a car-dependent city with low walkability and minimal public transit options.
Tennessee, as a state, ranks low in overall healthcare quality, which may reflect on city-level access and outcomes.
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.
Memphis
#102Tennessee, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,210
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
20.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
55
Business
62
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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