Dallas, TX vs Reno, NV

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Reno, NV spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 16% higher in Reno, NV. Home prices in Reno, NV run 69% higher.

$67,760
Income in Dallas
$78,448
Income in Reno
$1,403
Rent in Dallas
$1,453
Rent in Reno

Detailed Comparison

Metric
Dallas, TX
Reno, NV
Difference
Median Household Income
$67,760
$78,448
16% higher
Median Home Value
$295,300
$498,600
69% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,403
$1,453
4% more
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,409
$1,482
5% more
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
5.0%
2% more
Population
1,299,553
268,959

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In Dallas, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.8% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Reno, NV, the figure is 22.2% , making Reno, NV the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In Dallas, TX, that ratio is 4.4x. Homes cost 4.4 times the median annual income. In Reno, NV, it's 6.4x. Homes are relatively more attainable in Dallas, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,409 in Dallas and $1,482 in Reno. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in Dallas, TX is $67,760; in Reno, NV it is $78,448. That's a $10,688 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 4.9% in Dallas and 5.0% in Reno. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 54.0% in Dallas versus 55.3% in Reno.

Population

Dallas, TX has a population of 1,299,553, making it the larger of the two cities. Reno, NV has 268,959 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov