🏠 DFW vs. California: How Much You’ll Really Save on Housing

Michelle Jaramillo (License #715207)

United Real Estate

September 1, 2025

✨ Are you tired of sky-high housing costs eating into your dreams of homeownership or a comfortable life? Many buyers in California face an uphill battle against exorbitant housing prices, property taxes, and overall cost of living.

💡 But there’s good news: The Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex offers a refreshing alternative — where your housing budget stretches further and your quality of life improves.

This guide breaks down the real financial benefits of moving to Dallas or Fort Worth, focusing on housing savings and lifestyle upgrades.

🌉 The California Housing Reality

California’s big metros — Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego — are notorious for their housing struggles:

• 🏠 Median Home Prices: $800K–$1.2M+

• 💵 Average Rent: $2,500–$3,500/month

• 💰 State Income Tax: Up to 13%

🚨 The result? Many residents feel priced out of the market and struggle to build wealth through homeownership.

🌟 Welcome to DFW — A Breath of Fresh Air

In contrast, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex shines as one of the most accessible housing markets in the country.

Here’s why:

• 🏠 Median Home Price: Around $375K

• 🏘️ Rental Costs: $1,500–$1,800/month

• 💼 Strong Job Market: Thriving industries in tech, healthcare, finance, and logistics

• 🌳 Lifestyle Variety: Family-friendly suburbs, vibrant downtown living, and everything in between

📌 DFW offers more home, more opportunity, and more lifestyle — for less money.

📊 Head-to-Head Housing Comparison

🏠 Average Home Prices

• California Major Metros: $800K–$1.2M+

• DFW Metroplex: ~$375K

👉 Big Savings: More square footage, newer builds, and modern amenities in DFW.

🏘️ Rental Costs

• California: $2,500–$3,500/month

• DFW: $1,500–$1,800/month

💡 Save $1,500+/month renting in DFW vs. Los Angeles

💵 Property Taxes vs. Income Taxes

• California: Lower property tax % but high state income tax

• Texas: Higher property tax % but 0% state income tax

✅ Net Result: Most families save thousands per year in Texas.

💵 Beyond Housing — Everyday Savings

Living in DFW brings additional financial benefits:

• 🚫 No State Income Tax: Keep more of your paycheck

• 🏥 Lower Healthcare Costs: Affordable care and competitive insurance

• 🛒 Cost of Living: Groceries, childcare, and transportation all generally cost less than in California

✨ The savings add up, helping you invest more, save more, and enjoy more of life.

🌳 Quality of Life in DFW

Affordability doesn’t mean compromise. In fact, living in DFW offers a high quality of life:

• 🌳 Neighborhood Options: From trendy Uptown to suburban Frisco and Southlake

• 🎓 Strong Schools: Plano ISD, Coppell ISD, Southlake Carroll ISD

• 🎶 Arts & Culture: World-class museums, live music, dining, and theater

• 🚴 Recreation: Lakes, trails, sports teams, and year-round sunshine

📌 DFW is where affordability meets lifestyle — giving you more freedom to live well.

✅ Conclusion: Make Your Move to DFW

Relocating to the Dallas/Fort Worth area presents a clear opportunity for:

• 🏠 Affordable homeownership

• 💵 Monthly and annual savings

• 🌳 A vibrant, well-rounded lifestyle

👉 Ready to explore DFW real estate?

📍 Contact us today for expert guidance and a personalized relocation plan. Let’s find your dream home together!

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🏠 DFW Housing Market:

How Much You’ll Really Save

Michelle Jaramillo

United Real Estate 

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Across the U.S., rising housing prices and living costs have left many families wondering if homeownership is still within reach.

💡 The good news? The Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex continues to stand out as one of the most affordable and opportunity-rich housing markets in the country. Here, your dollar stretches further — giving you more space, more options, and more freedom to live the life you want.

In this article, we’ll explore the numbers behind DFW’s affordability, break down the financial benefits, and highlight why this region remains one of the most desirable places to buy a home.

🏠 The Challenge of Rising Housing Costs

Across the nation, homebuyers face some common struggles:

• 🏠 High Home Prices: The national median home price hovers around $420,000 (2024).

• 💵 Rent Increases: Average rent nationally is over $2,050/month.

• 💰 Living Expenses: From utilities to groceries, costs are climbing in many metros.

🚨 For many, these trends make owning a home feel out of reach or force them to sacrifice space and lifestyle just to afford a roof over their heads.

🌟 Why Dallas/Fort Worth Stands Out

The DFW metroplex offers a unique combination of affordability and opportunity:

• 🏠 Median Home Price: ~$375,000, below the national average

• 🏘️ Average Rent: $1,500–$1,800/month, well below many other metros

• 💼 Strong Economy: Diverse industries including tech, healthcare, logistics, and finance

• 🌳 Lifestyle Variety: From vibrant downtown living to spacious suburban communities

📌 In DFW, buyers don’t just get a house — they get a lifestyle upgrade at a more affordable price.

📊 Housing Affordability Snapshot

Let’s look at the numbers:

🏠 Home Prices

• National Median (2024): ~$420,000

• DFW Median: ~$375,000

🏘️ Rental Costs

• National Average: ~$2,050/month

• DFW Average: ~$1,600/month

💡 Bold Stat: Living in DFW could save you $450+ each month compared to renting in many U.S. metros.

💵 Property Taxes & Income Taxes

• Texas: Higher property taxes, but no state income tax

• Other States: Lower property taxes, but income tax eats into take-home pay

👉 For most buyers, the net result is thousands saved annually in Texas.

💵 Beyond Housing — Everyday Savings

The financial advantages of living in DFW extend beyond the housing market.

• 🚫 No State Income Tax = More money in your pocket each paycheck

• 🏥 Healthcare Costs: Competitive insurance rates and affordable options compared to national averages

• 🛒 Living Costs: Groceries, childcare, and transportation typically cost less than in many large U.S. cities

✨ The takeaway? Your money stretches further, giving you more freedom to invest, save, or simply enjoy life.

🌳 Quality of Life in DFW

Affordability is just the start. Here’s what life looks like in the metroplex:

• 🌳 Neighborhood Diversity: Whether you want trendy urban living in Uptown Dallas, family-friendly communities like Frisco and Southlake, or peaceful lakeside living, there’s something for everyone.

• 🎓 Strong Schools: DFW boasts some of Texas’ top-rated districts, including Plano ISD, Southlake Carroll, and Coppell ISD.

• 🎶 Arts & Culture: From the Dallas Arts District to Fort Worth’s music and culinary scene, the cultural offerings rival larger, pricier metros.

• 🚴 Recreation: Parks, lakes, trails, and sports teams like the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers create a well-rounded lifestyle.

📌 In DFW, affordability meets quality living — no compromises needed.

✅ Conclusion: Your Next Home Could Be in DFW

The Dallas/Fort Worth housing market continues to deliver the perfect blend of affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle. With lower home prices, more manageable rents, and no state income tax, it’s one of the best places in the country to plant roots.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading for your growing family, or planning for the future, DFW offers the space, savings, and lifestyle to match your goals.

👉 Ready to explore your options in DFW real estate? Contact Michelle Jaramillo for expert guidance and personalized home search support.

📍 Let’s find your dream home together.