Moving to Dallas from Denver is often driven by financial considerations.
Is it cheaper to live in Dallas? For many people, the answer is yes. The cost of living in Dallas,Texas is about 12% less expensive than the cost of living in Denver, Colorado. You see that thanks to a combination of housing and everyday expenses.
That said, moving from Denver to Dallas brings real changes, especially in terms of the climate, as summers stay hot for months. Not only that, the rhythm of life feels faster in the sprawling metro area versus a city tucked up against the mountains.
This guide breaks down what to expect before you move. We compare Dallas vs. Denver across cost of living, housing, weather, and lifestyle. We also cover how the cities stack up, what it costs to relocate, and how to prepare for your move so there are fewer surprises along the way.
Moving From Denver To Dallas: How Do They Compare?
Moving from Denver to Dallas means trading a mountain city for one of the largest metro areas in the country. Both cities offer strong job markets and big-city amenities, but daily life looks and feels very different in each place.
The snapshot below highlights some of the biggest differences at a glance.
Fast Facts: Denver vs. Dallas
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For many people moving from Denver to Dallas, the biggest draw is scale. Dallas offers more housing options, more neighborhoods, and a wider range of price points. The metro area also stretches across dozens of cities and suburbs, which gives newcomers flexibility when choosing where to live.
Dallas is also a major travel hub. Did you know the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is so large it has its own ZIP code? On its own it’s bigger than the island of Manhattan, and offers nonstop flights across the U.S. and abroad.
One thing you might miss after moving from Denver to Dallas is the close connection to the outdoors you get in the mile-high city. Trails, mountains, and open space are within easy reach for residents of Denver, and the climate supports outdoor activity throughout the year.
Dallas feels faster and more spread out by comparison, with a heavier reliance on highways and longer commutes. Moving from Denver to Dallas often means trading scenic views and cooler summers for larger homes, lower housing costs, and a much bigger urban footprint.
Cost of Living in Denver, Colorado vs. Dallas
For many people, the difference in cost of living in Dallas vs. Denver comes as a welcome surprise. It’s cheaper to live in Dallas for a few reasons.
For one, Texas doesn’t impose a state income tax. Also, home prices and rent in Dallas run well below Denver’s, with median home values about $200,000 less in Dallas, though costs will vary by neighborhood. Living closer to downtown Dallas costs more, while many surrounding suburbs offer noticeably better value.
Even daily life comes in a little cheaper, with grocery prices falling about 8% lower in Dallas compared to Denver.
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Dallas vs. Denver: Other Considerations
Cost of living is only part of the decision when moving from Denver to Dallas. Climate, city layout, housing styles, and daily routines can feel very different in this Texas city.
The climate in Dallas feels dramatically different from Denver’s
The biggest adjustment for many people moving from Denver to Dallas is the weather. Instead of dry heat, you’re dealing with humidity. And the hot, humid summers are long. Temps regularly reach the 100s, which means you’re smart to shift outdoor activities to early mornings or evenings. However, the benefit is that winters are mild, with little snow and fewer weather disruptions than in Denver.
The Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex shapes how people live and commute
Dallas is part of the larger Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, which stretches across 19 counties and includes more than 8 million people. That sprawl affects daily life. Jobs, housing, and entertainment spread far beyond the city center. Many people live in one area and work in another, which means commute times are higher, and even getting to concerts and sporting events can mean more planning for travel time.
While commutes tend to be longer than when living in Denver, the large amount of space and wide choice of neighborhoods and suburbs also means newer housing developments with the availability of larger homes and more choices.
Traffic, toll roads, and road conditions affect daily driving in Dallas
When you live in Dallas, you spend a lot of time in your car. Most residents drive for work, errands, and entertainment. Thankfully getting around is easy, as highways and toll roads connect the metro area. Just be aware many commutes involve multiple interstates or paid express lanes.
Traffic can also be a concern, as it builds quickly during peak hours, especially as ongoing construction projects reshape major corridors. Road conditions are one of the big adjustments for people moving from Denver to Dallas. Debris from construction zones is common, and flat tires are not unusual. While the road network is extensive, daily driving in Dallas often requires planning.
Crime rates and safety vary widely by neighborhood in both cities
Safety is an area where neighborhood choice matters more than the citywide averages of Dallas and Denver. Dallas reports higher overall crime rates than the national average, but those numbers look very different depending on where you live.
Denver faces similar challenges, with crime rates also varying widely by neighborhood.
If you’re considering moving from Denver to Dallas, know that one city is not uniformly safer than the other. Careful neighborhood research plays a major role in feeling comfortable and secure after your move.
Dallas offers a wide range of neighborhoods for different lifestyles
In the Dallas area, just a ten minute drive can mean a completely different type of life and scene. For people moving from Denver to Dallas, choosing one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas often matters as much as the move itself. Here are a few places to start your housing search:
Uptown: Walkable, polished, and packed with restaurants and nightlife
Bishop Arts District: Creative, local, and full of independent shops and dining
Deep Ellum: Music-driven, energetic, and known for late nights and venues
Lake Highlands: Residential, quiet, and popular with families
Plano: Suburban, practical, and close to major employers
Frisco: Fast-growing, modern, and home to large developments and sports venues.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Dallas and surrounding areas
It might sound cliche, but entertainment in Dallas centers on music, sports, and barbecue. Live music is woven into daily life in Dallas. Venues like The Kessler Theater, Granada Theater, and Deep Ellum Art Co. host everything from touring acts to local bands.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth adds another layer of entertainment options, with places like Billy Bob’s Texas and Tulips FTW just a short drive away. Catching a show often feels casual, not like an event that needs weeks of planning.
For many who live around Dallas, life centers around sports. The city is home to four pro sports teams: the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars. The fun doesn’t stop when the game is over, as game days spill into bars and restaurants in neighborhoods throughout the metro area.
Food is a big part of Dallas culture as well. Barbecue spots like Pecan Lodge, Cattleack Barbeque, and Terry Black’s are local staples. They sit alongside a broader dining scene that keeps expanding, out to Frisco, Fort Worth, and other suburbs. For many people moving from Denver to Dallas, entertainment feels less seasonal and more built into everyday life.
The job market in Dallas supports long-term growth
Dallas offers a broad and stable job market, driven by industries like finance, health care, technology, logistics, and corporate services. The size of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex attracts national employers for business expansion and relocation, as well as fostering a great environment for start-ups. This creates steady hiring across experience levels.
What salary is needed to live comfortably in Dallas, Texas? For a single adult, depending on housing choices and lifestyle, earning around $90,000 to $100,000 per year should provide a comfortable life in Dallas. Couples with two incomes can often find comfort at lower per-person earnings.
The Cost of Moving From Denver to Dallas
How much will it cost to move from Denver to Dallas? Because this is a long-distance move, means pricing takes into account more than just mileage.
You can expect to pay $3,800–$4,800 for full-service movers when moving from Denver to Dallas for an average-sized, two-bedroom home. Actual costs vary based on the details of your move. The amount of items you have matters, as does the time of year, and whether or not you opt for additional services like packing or storage.
Top Options for Moving From Denver to Dallas
When planning a long-distance relocation, most people choose between two paths. You can manage the move yourself with a rental truck, or you can hire professionals to handle it for you.
DIY moving
A do-it-yourself move involves renting a truck, packing everything yourself, and driving the full distance. While it may seem more affordable up front, costs add up once fuel, lodging, equipment, and time are factored in.
Long drives, city traffic, and the physical demands of loading and unloading also increase the risk of damage or injury to your property and yourself.
Full-service movers
Full-service movers take care of packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. This reduces physical strain and lowers the risk of damage, with coverage in place if something goes wrong.
There is also no need to navigate busy roads in Denver or Dallas in a rental truck, which makes the full-service mover option appealing for many people moving from Denver to Dallas.
Planning Your Move From Denver to Dallas
Moving from Denver to Dallas comes with real changes, from cost of living and climate to housing, commutes, and daily routines. Understanding those differences ahead of time helps you plan with confidence and avoid surprises once the move is underway.
Colonial Van Lines specializes in cross-country relocations and handles packing, loading, transportation, and delivery with care and coordination. If you’re preparing for a long-distance move and want clear pricing and professional support, request a free quote to start planning your move.