Performance
Score Breakdown
Zamboanga City
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zamboanga City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
53% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zamboanga City's average rent is
91% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $130 | $1,412 | -91% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $183 | $281 | -35% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $135 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $1,133 | $2,404 | -53% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Zamboanga City offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Zamboanga City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Zamboanga City is estimated at
$55,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Zamboanga City.
From a growth perspective, Zamboanga City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Zamboanga City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,018,894 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.00% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zamboanga City
Advantages
Zamboanga City offers a low cost of living, with an index of 95, making it more affordable than many other cities in the Philippines.
The city is experiencing robust economic growth, with a GDP growth rate of 4.9% in 2024, positioning it as a key economic hub in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Housing is notably affordable, with median rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $130 USD.
The city is actively improving its business environment through initiatives like the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), enhancing the ease of doing business.
Zamboanga City Medical Center is a significant healthcare provider, expanding its services and representing the Philippines in international healthcare forums.
Drawbacks
The city has a safety index of 40, indicating potential safety concerns that require residents to be vigilant and informed about current conditions.
Infrastructure challenges, including power fluctuations and connectivity issues, have been identified as constraints to business expansion and investment.
While improving, access to healthcare services can be uneven, with some vulnerable barangays reporting a lack of essential services.
The region faces underemployment challenges, with a rate of 18.9% as of January 2024, indicating that many individuals are seeking additional work or better-paying jobs.
The city's remote location can contribute to challenges with port efficiency and broadband access, impacting logistics and digital connectivity.
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.
Zamboanga City
#1Mindanao, Philippines
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$130
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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