City Comparison
Shah Alam vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shah Alam scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shah Alam
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Shah Alam.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shah Alam's average rent is
16% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,638 | $1,412 | +16% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $281 | -36% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $135 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,538 | $2,404 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 28% 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 Shah Alam is estimated at
$55,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,000 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shah Alam runs warmer on average — a 82.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shah Alam comes out ahead with 103 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shah Alam sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 74.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 121.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 103 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Shah Alam.
From a growth perspective, Shah Alam is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shah Alam has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 438,745 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 31.5 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $104.6B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shah Alam
Advantages
Shah Alam is a well-planned city with organized townships, wider roads, and good infrastructure, contributing to a higher quality of life.
The city is known for its green spaces and recreational areas, earning it the nickname "Garden City of Malaysia".
Shah Alam has a strong industrial and manufacturing base, particularly in the automotive sector, offering diverse job opportunities.
Its strategic location within the Klang Valley and proximity to Port Klang enhance its economic and logistical advantages.
The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and a pleasant living environment, attracting young families and professionals.
Drawbacks
Shah Alam recorded the highest cost of living among Malaysian state capitals in 2024, surpassing Kuala Lumpur.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours in certain areas.
Public transportation options are still developing, and car dependency remains relatively high.
Some sources suggest that Shah Alam may not be as diverse as other Malaysian cities.
While generally safe, like any urban area, it requires residents to remain aware of their surroundings.
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.
Shah Alam
#77Selangor, Malaysia
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,638
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
103/yr
Avg Temp
82.30°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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