City Comparison
Williston vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Williston scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Williston
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Williston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Williston's average rent is
12% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Williston | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,249 | $1,412 | -12% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $281 | -36% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $135 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $2,199 | $2,404 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 26% 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 Williston is estimated at
$43,956 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Williston | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,046 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $43,956 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,417 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $79,381 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Williston runs warmer on average — a 43.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Williston comes out ahead with 288 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Williston sees 23 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Williston | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 43.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 77.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 2.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 17.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 288 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Williston 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, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Williston | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 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, Williston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Williston | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,401 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 32.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Williston
Advantages
The unemployment rate in Williston is significantly lower than the national average, standing at 2.50% in August 2026.
Williston offers a relatively short average commute time of 17.6 minutes, less than the national average.
The city provides ample outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea for water sports, fishing, and hunting.
The average rent in Williston is 34% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to live for renters.
Williston has a strong sense of community and friendly residents, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate in Williston is 29.9% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate 21.8% higher.
Public transportation options are limited, making the city highly car-dependent.
Some residents express concerns about safety, particularly regarding walking alone at night.
While growing, the city is noted by some as lacking in diverse attractions and shopping compared to larger cities.
The population has shown a recent annual decline of -0.41%, suggesting a potential slowdown in growth.
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.
Williston
#293North Dakota, USA
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,249
Avg Salary
$45,046
Cost Index
95
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
288/yr
Avg Temp
43.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
70
Business
75
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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