Cost Comparison 2025

DallasvsSydney

United States
Australia

Overall

💰

+25.0%

Dallas is 25.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+60.0%

Housing is 60.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+25.0%

Restaurants 25.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+9.0%

Food shopping 9.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Dallas, United States and Sydney, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dallas is more expensive than Sydney by approximately 25.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Dallas are lower than in Sydney by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dallas's city center costs around $1,600, while the same in Sydney is approximately A$3,000.

Dining out in Dallas offers significant savings compared to Sydney. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $15 in Dallas versus A$20 in Sydney.

Public transportation in Dallas is more affordable, with monthly passes at $96 compared to A$200 in Sydney.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Dallas can expect to spend approximately $563 per month (excluding rent), while in Sydney, the same lifestyle would cost around A$804. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $1,971 monthly in Dallas versus A$2,814 in Sydney. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Dallas, United States
Sydney, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$1,600
A$3,000
1BR Outside Center
$1,200
A$2,200
3BR City Center
$2,800
A$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$15
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$75
A$120
Cappuccino
$5
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$5
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
A$2
Bread (500g)
$3
A$3
Eggs (12)
$3
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
$11
A$12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
A$5
Monthly Pass
$96
A$200
Taxi Start
$3
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
$1
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$135
A$150
Internet (60 Mbps)
$60
A$80
Mobile Minute
$0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Dallas to Sydney, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Sydney to Dallas requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Dallas

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Sydney

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas more expensive than Sydney?

Yes, Dallas is approximately 25.0% more expensive than Sydney overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Dallas compared to Sydney?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Sydney salary when living in Dallas. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Sydney, you'd need about $62,500 in Dallas for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dallas and Sydney?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 38%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Dallas offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Sydney provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Dallas if you prioritize earning potential, or Sydney for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Dallas vs Sydney?

In Dallas, a single person needs approximately $1,763 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $4,071. In Sydney, these figures are A$3,004 for singles and A$6,614 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dallas and Sydney in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Sydney to maintain your lifestyle from Dallas

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers