City Comparison
Arcelia vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Arcelia scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Arcelia
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Arcelia is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
77% lower than in Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Arcelia's average rent is
84% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Arcelia | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $220 | $1,412 | -84% |
| Groceries | $180 | $450 | -60% |
| Utilities | $55 | $281 | -80% |
| Transport | $45 | $126 | -64% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $135 | -56% |
| Monthly Total | $560 | $2,404 | -77% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 90% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Arcelia is estimated at
$4,800 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Arcelia | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $6,200 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $4,800 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 17,714 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $7,500 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Arcelia runs warmer on average — a 82.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Arcelia comes out ahead with 233 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Arcelia sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Arcelia | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 88.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 70.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 59.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 233 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Arcelia has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Arcelia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Arcelia | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 28.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Arcelia has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Arcelia | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,480 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 29.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Arcelia
Advantages
Exceptionally low cost of housing and daily essentials compared to major Mexican cities and the US
Warm, sunny climate year-round featuring over 230 sunny days annually
Rich local culture, authentic cuisine, and a strong sense of community solidarity
Abundant locally grown produce and traditional markets supporting sustainable living
Low traffic congestion and high baseline walkability within the town center
Drawbacks
Regional security challenges in the Tierra Caliente area require heightened caution
Limited high-paying formal employment sectors outside of agriculture and local commerce
Scarcity of advanced healthcare facilities requiring travel for specialized medical care
Minimal high-speed internet and remote work infrastructure compared to major hubs
High summer temperatures averaging around 88°F alongside significant seasonal rainfall
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Arcelia
#175Guerrero, Mexico
68.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$220
Avg Salary
$6,200
Cost Index
35
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
233/yr
Avg Temp
82.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
60
Business
52
Dallas
#525Texas, USA
50.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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