Cost of Living in Dallas, NC

Population 6,012 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Dallas sits on the smaller end of the North Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Dallas sits roughly 20 miles west of Charlotte — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 73
Rent 60

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dallas

The median home value in Dallas is $221,700 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $794/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,755/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.0°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Dallas has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$221,700
27% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$269,752
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$794/mo
40% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,365/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 60.1%
Renter-occupied 39.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$794
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,408/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.3 min
5% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.5%
Carpooled
10.7%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
3.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$57,755
23% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,911
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Labor Force Participation
67.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.8%
Graduate degree 2.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.8
Male median age 40.5
Female median age 38.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.0°F
Avg Low
51.3°F
Annual Precip
43.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 535865748188918983746456
Low °F 333642505867706963514136
Precip" 3.343.283.943.883.464.213.473.953.753.293.303.44

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dallas, NC?

Dallas has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dallas, NC?

The median gross rent in Dallas is $794 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dallas?

The median home value in Dallas is $221,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dallas?

The median household income in Dallas is $57,755 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dallas, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dallas is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Dallas, NC affordable?

Yes, Dallas is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Dallas?

Dallas has average high temperatures of 73.0°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.