For Singaporean families relocating to the Dallas metro area, the real estate landscape will feel vastly different from what they’re used to in Singapore. In Dallas, you’ll find larger homes, more land, lower prices per square foot, and a suburban lifestyle, unlike Singapore’s high-rise condos and compact urban housing. However, there are trade-offs in terms of walkability, public transport, and exclusivity.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when buying a luxury home in Dallas compared to Singapore.
🏡 1. Price Per Square Foot: You Get More Space in Dallas
Singapore: ~$2,000 – $3,500 SGD ($1,500 – $2,600 USD) per square foot for high-end condos in Orchard, Sentosa, or Bukit Timah.
Dallas Metro: ~$300 – $800 USD per square foot for luxury homes in Plano, Frisco, Highland Park, or Southlake.
✅ What This Means:
In Singapore, a 1,500 sq. ft. condo in Orchard can cost $3M – $5M USD.
In Dallas, a 5,000+ sq. ft. mansion with a pool can cost $1.5M – $4M USD.
Bottom Line: You get much larger homes for a fraction of the cost in Dallas.
📍 2. Landed Property vs. Condo Living
Singapore: Most luxury homes are high-rise condos or cluster houses in Bukit Timah, Sentosa, or Orchard. Landed properties (bungalows or Good Class Bungalows) are rare and expensive ($10M – $100M+).
Dallas: Luxury homes are large detached houses with sprawling lawns, private pools, and multi-car garages. Many homes are gated or in exclusive communities.
✅ What This Means:
In Singapore, space is limited—most families live in condos with shared facilities.
In Dallas, single-family homes with private yards and pools are the norm.
🏡 Dallas Neighborhoods With Luxury Homes Similar to Singapore’s Exclusive Enclaves:
Westlake & Vaquero (like Sentosa Cove) – Gated, golf-course luxury estates.
Highland Park & University Park (like Orchard/Bukit Timah) – Exclusive, prestigious, near city center.
Frisco & Plano (Kings Lake, Willow Bend, Starwood) – New, gated, modern estates.
🚶 3. Walkability & Public Transport: Singapore Wins
Singapore: Highly walkable, MRT stations everywhere, convenience stores within walking distance.
Dallas: A car is essential. Public transport (DART) is limited, and neighborhoods are spaced out.
✅ What This Means:
In Singapore, families can live without a car, thanks to the MRT and bus network.
In Dallas, a car is a must, even for short errands. Uber & Lyft are common but not as efficient as MRT.
Best Dallas Areas for Walkability: Legacy West (Plano), Uptown Dallas, and Las Colinas (Irving).
🏫 4. Schools & Education: Private Schools vs. Public Schools
Singapore: International schools (UWCSEA, Tanglin Trust, Dulwich, Stamford American) are common for expats.
Dallas: Public schools in Plano, Frisco, Southlake, and Coppell are top-ranked and free for residents.
✅ What This Means:
Expats in Singapore mostly send kids to international schools ($30K+ per year).
In Dallas, public schools in top districts are just as good as international schools.
Private school options: The Greenhill School, St. Mark’s, Hockaday, Jesuit, and Ursuline Academy.
🏡 Best School Districts for Luxury Home Buyers:
Plano ISD & Frisco ISD (West Plano, Frisco, Prosper) – High-ranking public schools.
Southlake Carroll ISD (Southlake) – Elite academics & sports.
Coppell ISD (Coppell) – Strong academics, great for expat families.
🌳 5. Amenities & Lifestyle: More Space, Less City Life
Singapore: Condo living offers pools, gyms, and concierge services. Everything is within a 10-minute walk.
Dallas: Luxury homes come with private pools, home gyms, media rooms, and large backyards. However, most daily needs require driving.
✅ What This Means:
Dallas homes feel more like resort living, but not everything is at your doorstep like in Singapore.
Luxury amenities in Dallas homes include:
Private home theaters 🎥
Outdoor kitchens & infinity pools 🏊♂️
Wine cellars & home bars 🍷
Multi-car garages 🚗
🏡 Best Gated Communities for a Singaporean Lifestyle in Dallas:
Legacy West (Plano) – Luxury high-rises, walkable like Orchard.
The Star (Frisco) – Upscale, near dining & shopping.
Vaquero (Westlake) – Exclusive, private golf course living.
💰 6. Taxes & Cost of Living: Dallas Wins in Affordability
Singapore: No capital gains tax, low personal income tax, but high property prices and COE (Certificate of Entitlement) for cars.
Dallas: No state income tax, property taxes are higher (~2-3%), but home prices are far lower.
✅ What This Means:
In Dallas, high earners save more due to no state income tax.
Cars in Texas are significantly cheaper than Singapore (no COE, lower taxes).
Property taxes are higher in Texas, but homes cost far less than in Singapore.
🏆 Conclusion: What to Expect When Moving From Singapore to Dallas
Feature | Singapore | Dallas Metro |
Price Per Sq. Ft. | $1,500 – $2,600 USD | $300 – $800 USD |
Housing Type | Condos & cluster houses | Large single-family homes |
Walkability | Very high | Low – car is required |
Public Transport | MRT, buses everywhere | Limited (DART) |
School Options | Mostly private international schools | Top public schools available for free |
Home Amenities | Shared pools, gyms | Private pools, home theaters |
Cost of Living | High | More affordable |
Tax System | No capital gains tax | No state income tax |
📍 Final Recommendation: Should You Buy a Luxury Home in Dallas?
✅ If you want more space, a private home, and a lower cost of living → YES.❌ If you need a fully walkable city and public transport → Dallas may be challenging.
Would you like help finding luxury homes in Dallas that match your lifestyle preferences? 😊
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Dallas real estate!
FIND A LUXURY HOME IN PLANO, TEXAS WITH NITIN GUPTA, BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR®.
When purchasing a luxury home in Plano, Texas, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, architectural style, security, and amenities to ensure the home meets both lifestyle and investment needs. By selecting a property in a prestigious neighborhood with numerous amenities and security measures, buyers can ensure they’re making a valuable and rewarding investment in the vibrant Plano market.
For those looking to invest in luxury homes in Plano, Texas, Nitin Gupta is an expert real estate professional ready to assist. Known for his extensive experience, market insights, and numerous awards, he is committed to finding his clients the best properties in the area.
Contact Nitin Gupta at 469-269-6541 or send a message today to explore exclusive listings and secure your ideal luxury residence in one of Plano elite communities.
