WhereCanIAffordTake-home › Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX

Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX: cost of living on $120,000

Houston, TX +$2,926/yr On $120,000, Dallas, TX leaves $72,079/yr in pocket vs Houston, TX's $75,005 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000Dallas, TXHouston, TX
Federal + FICA (est.)$29,580$29,580
State income tax$0 (0%)$0 (0%)
After-tax income$90,420$90,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)$18,341$15,415
Real money in pocket$72,079$75,005

· State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Dallas, TX or Houston, TX cheaper?
On $120,000, Houston, TX — by $2,926/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?
State income tax (Texas 0% vs Texas 0%) and housing cost.

See also: FIRE in Dallas, TX · salary to buy in Dallas, TX · compare other cities →

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💵 Take-home comparison
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