Dallas vs Atlanta: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More
Choosing between a house in Dallas, TX, and an apartment in Atlanta, GA, is no small decision, as both cities are dynamic hubs with thriving job markets and rich cultures. Dallas offers a booming tech sector and a distinct Texan flair, while Atlanta combines Southern charm with a strong presence in the entertainment and business sectors. Whether you’re drawn to the Dallas skyline or Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods, each city has its own appeal.
In this Redfin article, we’ll explore real estate costs, career opportunities, lifestyle, and more, helping you weigh the benefits of each city for your next move.
Housing in Dallas vs Atlanta
Housing in Dallas
Dallas’s real estate market is as diverse as the city itself, offering modern high-rises, single-family homes, and suburban developments. The city is known for its relatively affordable housing compared to other major metros, with a variety of options across neighborhoods like Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Plano. Dallas provides both urban and suburban living choices, catering to those seeking a blend of city life and Texas charm.
- Median home cost: The median home sale price in Dallas is around $450,000, with suburban areas providing even more affordable options.
- Average rental cost: The average rent for an apartment in Dallas is approximately $1,422 per month, with popular neighborhoods commanding premium rates.
Housing in Atlanta
Atlanta’s real estate market offers a mix of Southern charm and modern living, with options for everyone from first-time buyers to luxury seekers. Atlanta’s neighborhoods, from Downtown to the suburbs of Sandy Springs and Decatur, offer a range of housing styles and prices. Known for its green spaces and community feel, Atlanta appeals to those who appreciate the city’s dynamic economy.
- Median home cost: The median home sale price in Atlanta is around $419,750, with suburban areas offering lower-cost alternatives.
- Average rental cost: Renting an apartment in Atlanta averages around $1,812 per month, especially in popular areas like Midtown and Buckhead.
Cost of living in Dallas vs Atlanta
Dallas’s cost of living is about 5% higher than in Atlanta, with differences seen in utilities, transportation, and lifestyle expenses. Both cities offer a blend of urban amenities and Southern hospitality, yet certain costs vary.
1. Utilities
Utilities in Dallas are approximately 16% higher than in Atlanta. Energy costs in Dallas are generally higher, particularly in the summer months due to extreme temperatures, while Atlanta’s milder seasonal temperatures help keep utility expenses more moderate.
2. Groceries
Groceries in Atlanta are approximately 2% more expensive than in Dallas. Dallas’s distance from key agricultural regions slightly raises food prices, while Atlanta benefits from closer access to fresh produce.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs in Atlanta are about 11% higher than in Dallas. Dallas’s reliance on car travel and its sprawling metro area contribute to higher commuting expenses, whereas Atlanta’s robust transit options offer more affordable alternatives.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare in Dallas is around 1% more affordable than in Atlanta. Dallas’s extensive healthcare network keeps costs competitive, while Atlanta’s growing population and demand for specialized care lead to higher expenses.
5. Lifestyle
Lifestyle expenses in Atlanta are about 9% lower than in Dallas. Atlanta’s diverse arts, dining, and entertainment scene offers accessible options, while Dallas’s vibrant cultural activities can drive up costs for certain amenities.
Dallas vs Atlanta in size and population: A tale of two thriving cities
Dallas and Atlanta are both sprawling urban centers, though they differ in layout and density. Dallas covers around 340 square miles and has a population of about 1.3 million, creating a mix of dense urban areas and spread-out neighborhoods that capture the essence of Texas. Atlanta, by comparison, spans roughly 137 square miles with a population of around 500,000, giving it a more compact feel despite its high-rise skyline. Dallas’s larger footprint provides a more expansive, suburban atmosphere, while Atlanta’s dense, urban core creates a bustling, energetic environment.
Weather and climate in Dallas vs Atlanta
Dallas’ climate and Atlanta’s climate both experience hot summers and mild winters, though Dallas tends to be hotter and drier. Summers in Dallas can reach extreme temperatures with less humidity, while Atlanta’s summer heat is often accompanied by humidity and frequent thunderstorms. Winters in both cities are relatively mild, though Dallas occasionally sees ice storms and brief snowfall. Severe weather is possible in both cities, with Dallas more prone to tornadoes and hailstorms in spring, while Atlanta experiences frequent thunderstorms and the occasional tornado.
The job market in Dallas vs Atlanta
Dallas: A growing hub for tech and energy
Dallas’s job market thrives on its tech, energy, and finance sectors, with major employers like AT&T, Texas Instruments, and ExxonMobil providing numerous job opportunities. The employment rate in Dallas is approximately 67%, and the median household income is around $70,000. The average hourly wage is $31.66, which reflects Dallas’s robust job market and affordable cost of living. The city’s growing tech scene makes it a popular destination for professionals across various industries.
Atlanta: Finance, film, and beyond
Atlanta’s economy is driven by finance, media, and tech, with major employers including Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, and Turner Broadcasting. The employment rate stands at around 66%, with a median household income of $86,000. The average hourly wage is about $32.17, competitive in the Southeast, and supported by Atlanta’s lower cost of living. Atlanta’s booming film industry and expanding tech sector offer varied career paths in a dynamic market.
Transportation in Dallas vs Atlanta
Dallas: Car-focused with expanding public transit
Dallas is primarily car-dependent, though the DART light rail and bus systems provide reliable public transit options, especially downtown. Biking has gained traction in certain neighborhoods, but much of Dallas is designed for driving, with wide streets and abundant parking. DART’s expansion aims to increase access across the metro area, though most residents rely on cars.
- Walk Score: 46
- Bike Score: 49
- Transit Score: 39
Atlanta: Growing public transit in a sprawling city
Atlanta’s MARTA system offers rail and bus transit across the metro area, connecting central neighborhoods but still limited for some outer areas. Atlanta’s expansive layout and traffic congestion make cars a primary mode of travel. Biking is popular along the BeltLine, and transit options are expanding, though the city remains largely car-oriented.
- Walk Score: 48
- Bike Score: 42
- Transit Score: 44
Travel in and out of Dallas vs Atlanta
Dallas: Expansive air travel and rail access
Dallas is served by two major airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route connects Dallas to Chicago and San Antonio. Greyhound and Megabus provide intercity bus service, while DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) buses and light rail serve the local metro area.
Atlanta: International hub and diverse transit
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport offers extensive travel options, with connections across the U.S. and abroad. Amtrak’s Crescent line connects Atlanta to major cities from New Orleans to New York. Greyhound and Megabus provide regional bus options, and MARTA’s rail and bus systems serve the metro area, making local and airport transit accessible.
Lifestyle and things to do in Dallas and Atlanta
A day in the life of a Dallasite
Dallas life offers a blend of Texas tradition and modern culture. Residents may start with breakfast in Deep Ellum, known for its street art and live music venues, before heading to work in tech, energy, or finance. Weekends often mean exploring Klyde Warren Park, catching a show at the Winspear Opera House, or enjoying Dallas’s many galleries and museums. Outdoor activities along White Rock Lake or the Katy Trail are also popular.
Top things to do in Dallas:
- Visit the Dallas Museum of Art
- Tour the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Enjoy performances at the Winspear Opera House
- Discover Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Explore the Dallas World Aquarium
Google Street View of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas parks and outdoor activities:
- Stroll through Klyde Warren Park
- Cycle along the Katy Trail
- Picnic at White Rock Lake Park
- Hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve
- Visit Trinity Groves for outdoor dining
Google Street View of White Rock Lake Park
Dallas tourist attractions:
- Reunion Tower
- Pioneer Plaza
- Bishop Arts District
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- AT&T Stadium
A day in the life of an Atlantan
Atlanta offers a dynamic lifestyle with a blend of Southern charm and urban energy. Mornings might start with coffee in Midtown or the Old Fourth Ward, followed by work in Atlanta’s growing sectors like media, finance, or tech. Weekends are spent exploring the BeltLine, visiting art galleries, or dining at trendy spots in neighborhoods like Buckhead and Inman Park. For outdoor enthusiasts, Piedmont Park and the Chattahoochee River offer scenic escapes from the city’s bustling core.
Top things to do in Atlanta:
- Visit the Georgia Aquarium
- Tour the High Museum of Art
- Explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
- Walk through the Atlanta History Center
- Attend a concert at the Fox Theatre
Google Street View of Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta parks and outdoor activities:
- Walk or bike along the Atlanta BeltLine
- Picnic in Piedmont Park
- Hike at Stone Mountain Park
- Kayak on the Chattahoochee River
- Explore Grant Park
Google Street View of Stone Mountain Park
Atlanta tourist attractions:
- World of Coca-Cola
- CNN Center
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Ponce City Market
- Truist Park
Food and culture in Dallas and Atlanta
Dallas: Bold Texas flavors and arts scene
Dallas’s food culture celebrates Texas flavors, with BBQ, Tex-Mex, and steakhouse fare taking center stage. However, the city’s culinary offerings extend far beyond these staples, with high-end dining in Uptown and diverse international cuisine throughout neighborhoods like Oak Lawn. Events like the Taste of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas showcase the city’s food diversity. Dallas also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with the Dallas Arts District, live music venues, and theaters adding to the city’s cultural appeal.
Atlanta: Southern cuisine meets urban sophistication
Atlanta’s food scene merges traditional Southern cuisine with modern global flavors, offering everything from fried green tomatoes to innovative fusion dishes in neighborhoods like Midtown and Inman Park. The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival and annual festivals throughout the city celebrate its culinary heritage. Atlanta’s arts and cultural scene, with its theaters, museums, and music venues, gives residents and visitors a taste of Southern charm with a modern twist.
Sports scene in Dallas and Atlanta
Dallas: Big-time sports and Texas pride
Dallas has a rich sports scene, with passionate fans supporting the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Rangers (MLB). AT&T Stadium and American Airlines Center are top venues for game-day excitement, and the Stars (NHL) add to the city’s love for professional sports. Dallas’s sports culture reflects the big-hearted pride of Texas, with fans cheering on their teams through thick and thin, making sports a central part of Dallas life.
Atlanta: Southern sports hub and fan dedication
Atlanta’s sports culture is as dynamic as the city itself, with major teams like the Falcons (NFL), Hawks (NBA), and Braves (MLB) drawing dedicated fans. Atlanta United FC’s (MLS) enthusiastic fanbase has made it one of the top soccer markets in the U.S. Atlanta’s vibrant sports scene, from football and baseball to soccer, has cultivated a dedicated following and a strong sense of community around its teams.
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