Performance
Score Breakdown
Calgary
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Calgary is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
28% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Calgary's average rent is
17% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Calgary | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,177 | $1,412 | -17% |
| Groceries | $268 | $450 | -40% |
| Utilities | $125 | $281 | -56% |
| Transport | $90 | $126 | -29% |
| Healthcare | $71 | $135 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $1,731 | $2,404 | -28% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Calgary delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Calgary is estimated at
$46,129 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Calgary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,505 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $46,129 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,315 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $69,893 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Calgary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Calgary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 125.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Calgary is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Dallas.
From a growth perspective, Calgary is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Calgary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,600,000 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.53% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Calgary
Advantages
Calgary has a high median household after-tax income compared to other major Canadian cities, at $107,400 CAD (2021 Census).
The city's Crime Severity Index fell to a near historic low of 61.7 in 2025, well below the national average.
Calgary's tech ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, expanding at four times the Canadian average since 2021.
Alberta has the lowest provincial tax rate nationally, with no provincial sales tax or land transfer tax, making everyday purchases and homeownership more affordable.
Calgary offers a high quality of life, with 78% of residents rating it as good or excellent in 2025.
Drawbacks
Despite overall safety, property crime remains a significant concern in Calgary, with 51,999 incidents in 2025.
Calgary is largely a car-dependent city, with an average Walk Score of 39, indicating that most errands require a car.
The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.8% in December 2025, which, while improved, remains a factor for job seekers.
Only 10% of Calgarians live within walking distance of fast and frequent public transit service, limiting car-free convenience.
Rising housing costs, including rent and home purchase prices, continue to be an important consideration for residents.
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.
Calgary
#6Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,177
Avg Salary
$53,505
Cost Index
65
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.53%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
78
Business
80
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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