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Comparing Calgary and Dallas: What to Expect When You Move
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Comparing Calgary and Dallas: What to Expect When You Move

  • Writer: Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
    Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
  • Feb 28
  • 4 min read



Moving from Calgary, Canada, to Dallas, Texas brings major differences in cost of living, climate, housing, and lifestyle. Whether you're relocating for better job opportunities, lower taxes, or a change in climate, here’s a comparison of what to expect.


1. Cost of Living: Dallas Is More Expensive Overall, Except for Housing

Housing Costs:

  • Calgary: The average home price is around $570K CAD ($420K USD), making it cheaper than most Canadian metros.

  • Dallas: The median home price is $400K – $450K USD, meaning home prices are similar to Calgary but offer more square footage and larger lots.

  • Property Taxes: Higher in Dallas (~2.2% vs. ~1% in Calgary), but Texas has no state income tax, offsetting the cost difference.

Groceries & Dining:

  • Calgary has lower grocery prices, especially for beef and dairy.

  • Dallas dining is cheaper, with more affordable restaurant options and larger portion sizes.

Utilities & Transportation:

  • Dallas electricity bills are higher due to summer air conditioning needs.

  • Car insurance is cheaper in Dallas, but gas prices are slightly higher than in Alberta.

  • No provincial healthcare premiums in Texas, but private health insurance is required.


2. Climate: Extreme Heat vs. Harsh Winters

  • Calgary: Cold winters (-20°C/-4°F common), mild summers (~23°C/73°F), and low humidity.

  • Dallas: Hot, humid summers (35°C/95°F+) and mild winters (rarely below freezing).

  • Dallas has tornado risks, while Calgary gets frequent snowstorms.


3. Job Market & Economy: Strong in Both Cities

  • Calgary: Economy centered on oil, gas, and energy, with some growth in tech and finance.

  • Dallas: More diverse economy, including tech, finance, healthcare, and energy, making it less reliant on oil prices.

  • Dallas has no state income tax, meaning higher take-home pay.


4. Lifestyle & Culture: Outdoor vs. Urban-Suburban Mix

  • Calgary is outdoors-focused, with Banff and the Rocky Mountains nearby.

  • Dallas offers more suburban living, with larger homes, country clubs, and a strong sports culture (Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars).

  • Calgary’s culture is Western and community-driven, while Dallas blends Southern hospitality with corporate energy.


5. Transportation: Calgary Wins for Walkability

  • Calgary has an efficient public transit system (CTrain, buses).

  • Dallas is car-dependent, with a limited DART public transit system.

  • Dallas traffic is heavy, but commutes are often shorter than in Calgary due to better infrastructure.


Final Thoughts: Which City Is Right for You?

✅ Choose Calgary if:

  • You prefer cooler weather and easy access to the mountains.

  • You like a walkable downtown with good public transit.

  • You work in oil and gas and want proximity to industry leaders.

✅ Choose Dallas if:

  • You want lower taxes and higher take-home pay.

  • You prefer warmer weather and suburban-style living.

  • You’re looking for a diverse economy with more job opportunities in tech, finance, and corporate sectors.


Dallas offers a lower tax burden, job diversity, and affordable housing, while Calgary provides mountain access, a strong energy sector, and a cooler climate. The best choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and budget priorities!


Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Dallas real estate!


About us: Dallas New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent



As a Top Real Estate Professional in Dallas, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 100 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in Dallas and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.


As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.


Whether you are a first time buyer in Dallas looking to buy a home in Dallas or whether you are relocating to Dallas from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Dallas. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.



What is most important to you in your new construction home in Dallas? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Dallas community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.




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