Minnesota vs Texas Cost of Living: What Families Should Know Before Moving to Dallas–Fort Worth (2026 Guide) - Dallas Relocation Real Estate Agent

For families relocating from Minnesota to Dallas–Fort Worth, cost of living is one of the biggest decision factors.Many families move expecting major savings, but the reality is more nuanced—some costs go down, while others increase.This guide breaks down the real financial differences so your move to Texas is based on facts, not assumptions.

Most Minnesota families moving to DFW benefit from no state income tax and more affordable housing per square foot, but they often encounter higher property taxes and summer energy bills.

Overall, many relocating families experience improved lifestyle value—especially when moving for career growth or upgrading home size.

Income Taxes: A Major Difference

One of the biggest financial changes when moving to Texas is income tax.

Minnesota

• State income tax ranges roughly from 5% to nearly 10%, depending on income.

• High earners feel this most.

Texas

• No state income tax

• Immediate take-home pay increase for many households

For dual-income professional families, this often represents thousands of dollars in annual savings.

Housing Costs: More Space for Your Money

Housing differences are often the main reason families relocate.

Minnesota Housing

• Older housing stock common in many suburbs

• Higher prices for larger homes in desirable areas

• Smaller lot sizes near employment hubs

Dallas–Fort Worth Housing

• Larger homes at competitive prices

• Extensive new construction communities

• Modern layouts and amenities common

• Expanding suburban housing supply

Many families find they can upgrade home size, layout, and amenities while keeping payments similar.

Property Taxes: Important Trade-Off

Texas offsets no income tax with higher property taxes.

Minnesota

• Property taxes vary but are often moderate compared to Texas

• Rates vary by county and city

Texas

• Property tax rates commonly range 1.8%–2.7% of home value

• Taxes vary by city and school district

• Homestead exemptions reduce taxes for primary residents

While taxes are higher, families often balance this with income tax savings and better home value.

Utility Costs: Heating vs Cooling

Utility expenses shift when moving south.

Minnesota Utilities

• Higher winter heating costs

• Long heating season

• Lower summer cooling expenses

Texas Utilities

• Minimal heating cost in winter

• High summer air conditioning use

• Peak electricity bills occur June–September

Annual energy costs often balance out differently but remain manageable with newer, energy-efficient homes.

Transportation & Commuting Costs

Both states are vehicle-dependent, but commuting patterns differ.

Minnesota

• Winter driving challenges

• Road maintenance impacts commute times

• Snow-related vehicle wear

Texas

• Longer average suburban commutes

• Toll roads common in DFW

• No winter weather commuting issues

Many families find commuting easier without winter disruptions.

Grocery & Dining Costs

Food expenses are fairly comparable.

• Grocery prices similar between states• Restaurant pricing comparable in suburban areas• Texas offers broad dining variety at multiple price levels

Dining costs generally don’t heavily influence relocation decisions.

Childcare & Family Expenses

Childcare and extracurricular costs are similar in both markets.

Differences often come down to:

• Neighborhood choices

• School districts

• Activity selections

Costs vary more by family lifestyle than by state.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare pricing differences are often employer-driven rather than location-based.

DFW offers:

• Large hospital networks

• Broad physician availability

• Expanding healthcare employment opportunities

Costs depend more on insurance plans than geography.

Home Insurance Differences

Insurance expenses change with geography.

Minnesota

• Snow and cold-related home risks

• Storm damage coverage needs

Texas

• Hail and storm coverage important

• Higher hail claim frequency in some areas

Insurance costs may be slightly higher in Texas depending on home location.

Overall Financial Impact for Families

Most relocating Minnesota families experience:

• Increased take-home pay due to no income tax• Larger or newer homes for similar payments• Higher property taxes• Higher summer energy bills• Comparable daily living expenses

The net financial outcome often depends on job income and housing choices.

What Families Say After Moving

Families relocating commonly report:

• Improved lifestyle due to larger homes• More outdoor time year-round• Career advancement opportunities• Increased disposable income from income tax savings• Strong suburban community amenities

Financial benefits often combine with lifestyle improvements.

Smart Financial Planning Before Moving

Families relocating should:

• Compare total monthly housing payments, not just prices• Factor property taxes and insurance into budgeting• Estimate energy cost differences• Review commute impacts on fuel costs• Understand homestead exemptions after purchase

Proper planning prevents surprises.

Final Thoughts

Moving from Minnesota to Dallas–Fort Worth doesn’t automatically mean lower living costs across the board, but many families gain higher lifestyle value, career opportunity, and better housing options.

The move often makes the most sense for families seeking both financial opportunity and quality-of-life improvements.

Please call us at 469-269-6541 for more details about  Coppell and available homes!

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About us: Professional Coppell Relocation & Real Estate Services.

As a top Coppell Real Estate Professional, I understand the challenges that arise from a Relocation. I work with families including physicians who are relocating to Dallas metro area including cities like Coppell. I have earned a number of real estate certifications and designations in an effort to learn and provide excellent customer service to my clients. As a CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as an 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 an individual simply relocating to Coppell from California, or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to transferring with your company, we can help. Our Coppell relocation professionals ease 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. Since many of our clients are relocation buyers, 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 city? With a little bit more info about what you’re looking for in a new city, we can help you determine whether or not Dallas would be a good fit. Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com, fill out our Relocation Questionnaire, or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Dallas that you can use to help make your relocation decision. In the meantime, check out our Guide to Relocating to Dallas.