Phoenix, Arizona, and Dallas, Texas, are two dynamic metros in the Southwest that attract residents and tourists alike. While Phoenix boasts comfortable winters and plentiful sun, Dallas is acclaimed for its bustling economy and cultural blend. However, both present distinctive lifestyles depending on your expectations and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into crime, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, major employers, real estate, neighborhoods, public transit, taxes, culture, sports, geographical conditions, and healthcare.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Dallas, TX : 884.9 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 26%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Dallas has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) during that time.
In general terms, both Phoenix and Dallas have crime rates higher than the national average, which might concern potential residents or tourists. While Phoenix's property crime rates are higher, violent crime rates are significantly lower than Dallas. However, safety can fluctuate drastically by the neighborhood in both cities. When moving or visiting, it is crucial to research and consider the specific areas where you plan to spend the most time.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,641 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 4,288 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 444 to 1; the ratio in Dallas is 307 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Phoenix than in Dallas.
Cost of Living
Phoenix tends to be somewhat less expensive compared to Dallas when you consider the overall cost of living. Housing is generally costlier in Dallas, while healthcare costs are significantly higher in Phoenix. Expect both cities to have a cost of living higher than the national average. However, the salary levels, especially in tech and healthcare sectors, can offset these costs.
Income Tax
Texas, including Dallas, has no state income tax, a compelling advantage of this locale. Arizona has a state income tax, reaching up to 4.54% for Phoenix residents depending on income brackets. This tax difference could significantly impact decisions for people considering moving between these states.
Property Tax
Property taxes are lower in Phoenix, with an average rate of just 0.802%. Dallas property owners pay a somewhat high rate, with an average of 2.08%. For homeowners, the property tax difference could make Phoenix significantly more appealing.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a combined city and state sales tax of 8.6%, slightly higher than Dallas's combined sales tax of 8.25%. Potential residents and visitors should consider local sales tax rates when budgeting for daily costs and major purchases.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$57,995
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$38,479
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $52,653 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix offers a desert landscape with hiking, biking, and outdoor attractions in nearby areas. Dallas, by contrast, has a more varied geography with its grassy plains and adjacency to lakes. Both cities provide natural escape routes for outdoor lovers.
Both Phoenix and Dallas offer a variety of educational opportunities. Dallas, home to many highly-rated private schools, has a better-regarded public school system than Phoenix. However, Phoenix houses several nationally recognized universities like Arizona State University, providing abundant higher education options.
Dallas harbors a robust economy with job prospects in various sectors. It's known for its vibrant tech industry, financial services, and telecommunications. Phoenix has a growing economy, leaning towards the healthcare sector, although it also has a strong presence in the tech sector. The job growth rate in both cities exceeds the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, some of the biggest employers are AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and American Airlines. Phoenix's job market is dominated by Banner Health, Wells Fargo, and Walmart. Both cities boast a broad range of job opportunities.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Dallas
Phoenix
Dallas
Phoenix
Dallas
2020
50.2%
65.1%
48.0%
33.4%
1.8%
1.4%
2016
44.9%
60.8%
47.7%
34.7%
7.5%
4.5%
2012
43.6%
57.3%
54.3%
41.8%
2.1%
1.0%
2008
44.0%
57.4%
54.5%
42.0%
1.5%
0.6%
2004
42.4%
49.0%
57.0%
50.4%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
45.0%
53.4%
52.7%
3.6%
2.4%
1996
44.5%
46.0%
47.2%
46.8%
8.2%
7.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Dallas
Phoenix
Dallas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
18.9%
4.3%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
11.0%
6.5%
31.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.3%
2.0%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.5%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.0%
1.3%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
3.6%
1.0%
1.1%
Weather
The weather differs considerably between Dallas and Phoenix. Phoenix is recognized for its desert climate, featuring hot summers and mild winters. For those who enjoy sunshine, Phoenix offers more than 300 sunny days annually. In contrast, Dallas has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild-to-cool winters. Severe weather including tornadoes can occasionally occur in Dallas.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
66.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
37.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
54%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Dallas
Phoenix
Phoenix
Dallas
Phoenix
Dallas
Dallas
Phoenix
Phoenix
Dallas
Phoenix
Dallas
2018
156
86
0.38
N/A
15.2
5.7
28.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
34.8
N/A
8.6
9.7
0.6
0.4
2017
120
84
0.41
N/A
15.9
5.5
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
34.9
N/A
7.6
9.1
1.4
0.3
2016
114
81
0.44
N/A
15.8
6.1
27.3
27.2
N/A
N/A
30.6
N/A
7.7
8.4
0.4
0.2
2015
102
85
0.46
N/A
17.6
6.5
27.1
26.7
N/A
N/A
26.2
N/A
7.9
8.9
0.9
0.3
2014
117
83
0.46
N/A
19.6
6.3
27.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
37.0
N/A
8.5
9.9
1.1
0.3
2013
130
97
0.43
N/A
19.9
7.3
27.9
28.8
N/A
N/A
35.3
N/A
8.4
13.0
0.9
0.2
2012
157
116
0.44
N/A
21.2
8.6
28.1
31.0
N/A
N/A
41.9
N/A
8.8
12.0
1.3
0.3
2011
203
98
0.47
N/A
20.0
9.4
28.3
30.9
N/A
N/A
41.3
N/A
9.6
11.9
0.9
0.6
2010
100
79
0.48
N/A
19.9
9.4
26.9
28.3
N/A
N/A
31.2
N/A
8.3
N/A
0.9
0.7
2009
108
88
0.52
N/A
20.1
9.2
25.6
28.8
N/A
N/A
38.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
0.5
2008
106
88
0.48
N/A
21.4
9.8
26.6
29.2
0.121
N/A
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
0.5
2007
129
94
0.54
N/A
23.5
11.0
25.2
25.7
0.070
N/A
47.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
0.3
2006
131
107
0.66
N/A
25.3
10.8
24.4
30.6
0.106
N/A
50.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
0.7
2005
109
108
0.74
N/A
25.9
13.0
22.2
29.7
0.142
N/A
44.6
N/A
N/A
11.0
2.5
0.9
2004
98
96
0.77
N/A
25.5
12.3
23.4
26.0
0.099
N/A
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.8
2003
101
102
0.90
N/A
26.8
13.6
23.7
27.1
0.121
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.0
2002
111
100
0.98
N/A
28.7
14.0
23.6
25.2
0.080
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
0.4
2001
106
100
1.00
N/A
28.6
14.3
22.3
26.0
0.069
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.0
2000
117
109
1.14
N/A
29.9
14.5
24.6
27.0
0.092
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
254.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
567%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
21%
Transportation
Dallas has Superior public transportation, featuring the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. Phoenix leans heavily on personal vehicles, with limited public transportation options. Commute times in both cities are relatively similar, falling within the national average.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
56
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Bicycle
0.4%
0.3%
Bus
1.8%
1.4%
Carpooled
12.2%
10.9%
Car alone
81.8%
83.9%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0%
Railroad
0.2%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Average
28.6 min
31.5 min
Other means
26.4 min
26.5 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
46 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
86.8%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
9%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.9%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Dallas's real estate can be quite pricey, with a median home price above the national average. Phoenix offers a bit more affordability, with home prices that are closer to the national median. Both cities have seen significant growth, driving up home prices and rents, but Phoenix's growth is particularly noteworthy.
Neighborhoods
Dallas neighborhoods like Highland Park and Uptown attract residents with their upscale ambiance and amenities. Phoenix offers diverse neighborhoods such as Roosevelt Row with its creative scene and Arcadia known for its affluence and beauty. Both cities cater to varied lifestyles, ranging from urban to suburban living.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Houses
644,625
591,773
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.6
Median year apartment built
1987
1987
Median year house/condo built
1983
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
13.9 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
536,008 (90.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
229,518 (42.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
306,490 (57.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,403
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,225
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$574,934
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$267,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$410,272
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$255,160
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$230,927
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$444,589
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$91,039
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$350,045
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$402,215
Median house age
36
40
Renting percentage
42.4%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,727.6
House value disparities
30.8%
41.3%
Household income disparities
43.9%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$103,798
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$61,909
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,309 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
3,320 (2.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
124,846 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
204 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
5,351 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Dallas
One, detached
60.3%
41.8%
One, attached
4.9%
4.3%
Two
1.4%
1.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.9%
5 to 9
5.0%
7.9%
10 to 19
5.3%
12.1%
20 to 49
4.1%
8.1%
50 or more
11.3%
18.4%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
43,703
State government workers
30,385
17,325
Unpaid family workers
1,048
754
Industries and Occupations
In Dallas, dominant industries include banking, tech, oil, and telecom. Names like Texas Instruments and AT&T have a significant presence here. Phoenix is strong in healthcare, education, and tech. Intel and Banner Health are some of the top employers making it an appealing opportunity for professionals in these fields.
Both cities boast robust healthcare sectors. Dallas has several well-regarded hospitals, with specialties ranging from research-based treatment centers to pediatric care. Phoenix, home to the Mayo Clinic, is well-known for its cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and high-quality patient care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas boasts robust infrastructure with gleaming skyscrapers and modern neighborhoods. Phoenix, on the other hand, touts a well-planned urban sprawl defined by its grid-like street system. Both cities offer a mix of historical character and modern development.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Dallas
Hospitals
48
74
TV stations
22
25
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
394
Bank institutions located here
41
80
Main business address for public companies
41
122
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Dallas
1999
5,846
5,030
2000
4,847
3,390
2001
3,823
2,626
2002
3,472
2,657
2003
5,750
3,617
2004
9,848
5,460
2005
15,879
7,445
2006
18,392
7,397
2007
9,797
5,056
2008
3,130
2,200
2009
1,614
1,121
Culture and Food
Dallas boasts a diverse cultural scene with a blend of Mexican and Southern influence, making it a foodie paradise for BBQ and Mexican cuisine. Phoenix also offers a diverse cultural scene, heavily influenced by Mexican and Native American cultures, with Southwestern cuisine as a highlight. Both cities have an impressive array of museums, theatres, and art galleries.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will be delighted by both cities. Dallas hosts teams in all major American professional sports leagues, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). Phoenix also thrives in professional sports scenes, featuring the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), and Phoenix Suns (NBA), among others.
Phoenix, AZ
Dallas, TX
