City Comparison
Smithfield vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Smithfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smithfield's average rent is
31% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Smithfield | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $1,412 | +31% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $281 | -25% |
| Transport | $130 | $126 | +3% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $135 | +78% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $2,404 | +19% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 25% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smithfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Smithfield is estimated at
$62,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Smithfield | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Smithfield runs warmer on average — a 50.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Smithfield comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Smithfield | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smithfield | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
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, Smithfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smithfield | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
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.
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
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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