Are you looking to move to Texas but can’t decide which major city is the right one for you? Texas is home to diverse populations and geographic areas, with many people flocking to Dallas, TX and Austin, TX due to their surrounding deregulated energy markets, booming job markets, and top universities. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has a population of about 1.4 million, while Austin has a more intimate population of about 960,000. Both Dallas and Austin have thriving city centers as well as sprawling suburbs that are mini cities in their own rights. Compare Dallas vs. Austin and see which of these major United States cities are the best for you to call home.
Dallas vs. Austin: Which Texas City is Better?
When comparing Austin vs. Dallas to find out which city is better for you, there are some key factors to consider: arts and culture, higher education opportunities, and the cost of renting and utilities. Read below to see how these factors can impact your quality of life and help tip the scales for which city you decide to live in.
Thriving Art Districts
Dallas, TX and Austin, TX both boast incredible art districts within their cities. The Dallas Arts District is spread over 20 blocks and features award-winning museums like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center, performing arts venues like the Meyerson Symphony Center and the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and seemingly endless hip restaurants and bars. Austin, TX is the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” and it does not disappoint. Between Sixth Street down, South Congress Avenue, South Lamar, and several other neighborhoods, Austin has no shortage of live music, great restaurants and bars, music and food festivals, and unique shopping experiences. Austinites can catch a free performance at the Zilker Hillside Theater, located in the 360 acres of Zilker Park, and explore many museums and galleries across the entire city.
Higher Education Opportunities
Both Dallas, TX and Austin, TX are hot spots for young people and hip neighborhoods as they both have top ranking universities. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex claims Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University who have an incredible football rivalry that the entire city rallies behind. One of the major things that attracts people to Austin, TX is the University of Texas at Austin, which is one of the largest and highest ranked universities in the country with an extremely loyal fanbase to their football team, The Longhorns. Regardless of the culture or geography you are seeking in the Lone Star state, Texas has a vast selection of quality options for higher education that keeps local residents in town and attracts out of state applicants.
Cost of Renting
With both cities having booming job markets, the demand for housing is at an all time high. Both Dallas, TX and Austin, TX are huge cities with sprawling suburbs, resulting in a variety of housing price points to suit all budgetary needs. At the end of the day, the cost of renting in Dallas, Texas is a good deal more affordable than in Austin. Dallas residents can get an average one-bedroom apartment for $900/month and an average two-bedroom apartment for $1,120/month, while Austin residents can get an average one-bedroom apartment for $1,150/month and an average two-bedroom apartment for $1,420/month.
Cost of Utilities
One of the biggest benefits of moving to Dallas or Austin is that residents can count themselves lucky to live within or nearby the limits of Texas’ deregulated electricity market. Dallas and Austin area residents have the freedom to select a retail energy provider from various companies that service the area, giving them the opportunity to save lots of money on monthly electricity bills and the overall cost of living. This takes the power from the utility companies and places it back in the hands of the customer, who benefits from the highly competitive market. Both Dallas and Austin area residents are charged an average of 10.98 cents per kilowatt-hour for their energy consumption, which is more than a cent less than the national average rate, contributing to the low cost of living in either city.
Payless Power provides the best prepaid and standard energy plans with no cancelation fees, no deposits, and no credit checks in the area. Payless Power helps people in Dallas and the Austin area get better energy rates and save money on their average power bill, regardless of income or credit history. As a family-owned energy provider and not one of the giant energy suppliers, Payless Powers takes great pride in serving our energy customers with care and respect.
Dallas vs. Austin: Which Texas City is For You?
It’s hard to say if Dallas or Austin is the best city to call home as it really comes down to personal preference. The cost of living isn’t too far off from another, and both cities offer great entertainment and education options. So you tell us, which Texas city is best for you to live in: Dallas or Austin?
