Seattle vs. Dallas: Weather, Jobs, Housing, and Schools Compared — Complete 2026 Guide | McKinney Relocation Realtor

Seattle and Dallas represent two fundamentally different American cities — the Pacific Northwest tech hub built on coffee culture and mountains versus the Sun Belt business capital built on growth and opportunity. If you're considering relocating from Seattle to Dallas, this comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything: housing cost comparisons, job market opportunities, tax implications (the surprising reality), weather trade-offs, school quality, lifestyle differences, and what Seattle transplants consistently report after making the move to Texas.

Why Seattle Families Are Considering Dallas

The Seattle-to-Dallas Migration Trend (2020–2026)

• Seattle Metro Population Change (2020–2026): +185,000 residents (still growing but slowing)

• Dallas–Fort Worth Population Gain (2020–2026): +1,200,000 residents

• Seattle-to-Dallas Annual Migration: 8,500–11,000 people per year

• Primary Reasons:

  • Housing affordability (78%)

  • Space and yard (71%)

  • Cost of living (68%)

  • Weather (52%)

  • Taxes (47%)

• Corporate Connections: Amazon (major DFW expansion), Microsoft (DFW presence), tech workers following opportunities

• Seattle Median Home Price (2026): $825,000

• Dallas Median Home Price (2026): $425,000

• The Gap: $400,000 — enough equity to buy outright in some Dallas suburbs

Cost of Living: The Comprehensive Breakdown

Overall Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)

Category	Seattle	Dallas	Dallas Advantage
Overall Index	173	102	41% lower
Housing	252	108	57% lower
Utilities	89	104	17% higher (A/C costs)
Groceries	118	101	14% lower
Transportation	138	109	21% lower
Healthcare	114	98	14% lower

Practical takeaway: A lifestyle costing $10,000/month in Seattle costs approximately $5,900/month in Dallas — a savings of $4,100/month or $49,200 annually.

Housing Costs: The Dramatic Difference

What $850,000 Buys You

In Seattle (Ballard, Fremont, West Seattle, Greenwood)

• 1,600–2,000 sq ft home

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

• Built 1950s–1980s (most homes are older)

• 4,500–6,000 sq ft lot

• 1–2 car garage

• Deferred maintenance common

• Older systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing)

• No yard or minimal outdoor space

In Dallas (Frisco, Prosper, McKinney suburbs)

• 4,200–4,800 sq ft home

• 5–6 bedrooms, 4–5 bathrooms

• Brand new construction (2024–2026)

• 70–80 foot wide lot (9,000–11,000 sq ft)

• 3-car garage standard

• Master-planned community with resort amenities

• Pool, spa, outdoor kitchen options

• Energy-efficient systems, smart home technology

• Warranties on everything

The Dallas Home Delivers

• 2.5–3x the square footage

• 60–80% larger lot

• Brand new vs. 40–70 years old

• Resort amenities (pools, fitness centers, trails)

• Zero deferred maintenance vs. $75,000–$200,000 in Seattle

Median Home Price Comparison (2026)

Area	Median Price	Median Size	Price Per Sq Ft
Seattle (overall)	$825,000	1,750 sq ft	$471
Ballard / Fremont	$950,000	1,650 sq ft	$576
Bellevue	$1,150,000	2,200 sq ft	$523
Redmond	$1,050,000	2,100 sq ft	$500
Tacoma	$575,000	1,550 sq ft	$371
Dallas (Frisco)	$685,000	3,200 sq ft	$214
Dallas (Prosper)	$625,000	3,300 sq ft	$189
Dallas (McKinney)	$575,000	3,100 sq ft	$185
Dallas (Celina)	$525,000	3,350 sq ft	$157

The Equity Advantage

Seattle family sells home: $825,000 (median)Minus mortgage payoff: -$425,000Net equity: $400,000

Dallas purchase at $650,000:

• Down payment (20%): $130,000

• Remaining equity: $270,000

This leftover equity can: eliminate student loans, fund children’s college, max out retirement accounts, or purchase investment property.

Apartment Rental Comparison

Size	Seattle	Dallas	Annual Savings
Studio	$1,900–$2,600	$1,200–$1,700	$8,400–$10,800
1 Bedroom	$2,300–$3,200	$1,450–$2,100	$10,200–$13,200
2 Bedroom	$2,900–$4,200	$1,750–$2,600	$13,800–$19,200
3 Bedroom	$4,000–$6,000	$2,200–$3,500	$21,600–$30,000

Neighborhood context:

• Seattle: Capitol Hill, Ballard, Fremont, South Lake Union

• Dallas: Uptown Dallas, West Plano, Frisco, McKinney

Dallas suburban apartments are typically 35–45% cheaper and 20–30% larger.

Taxes: The Surprising Twist

Both States Have No State Income Tax

• Washington State: No state income tax (but has capital gains tax on high earners as of 2022)

• Texas: No state income tax

Important note: Unlike California or New York relocators, Seattle movers don’t automatically save $10,000–$100,000+ annually via income tax differences. The tax comparison is more nuanced.

Property Tax Comparison

Seattle Property Tax

• Effective rate: 0.92–1.15% (King County)

• $850,000 home: $7,820–$9,775/year

Dallas Property Tax

• Effective rate: 1.94–2.35%

• $850,000 home: $16,490–$19,975/year

The Property Tax Trade-Off

Yes, Dallas property taxes are roughly 2x Seattle’s rate. However:

• You typically buy a much larger home in Dallas for the same price (or less)

• A $650,000 Dallas home (similar space to $850,000 Seattle home) pays $12,610–$15,275/year

• Texas homestead exemptions reduce taxable value

• Over-65 tax ceiling protects Texas retirees permanently

Net Tax Burden Example

$180,000 Household Income

Tax Type	Seattle	Dallas	Difference
State Income Tax	$0	$0	Tie
Property Tax ($850K home)	$8,800	$18,700	-$9,900 Dallas
Sales Tax (8% of income)	$14,400	$14,400	Tie
Total Annual Taxes	$23,200	$33,100	-$9,900 Dallas

Adjusted Reality (More Common Scenario): Dallas family buys a $600,000–$700,000 home.

• Property tax on $650,000 Dallas home: $12,610–$15,275

• Adjusted total taxes: $27,010

• Net difference: -$3,810 Dallas (close to even)

Washington Capital Gains Tax (2022+)

Washington taxes capital gains over $250,000 at 7% (affects high earners, stock sales, business sales). Texas has no capital gains tax beyond federal.

This benefits:

• Tech workers with significant equity compensation

• Business owners planning exits

• Real estate investors

Sales Tax Comparison

• Seattle: 10.25% (combined)

• Dallas: 8.25% (combined)

• Annual savings: $200–$600 for typical household

Job Market & Career Opportunities

Employment Statistics (2026)

Metric	Seattle Metro	Dallas–Fort Worth
Metro Population	4.0 million	7.8 million
Unemployment Rate	3.8%	3.2%
Job Growth (5-year)	+8.5%	+18.5%
Median Household Income	$102,500	$75,800
Fortune 500 HQs	10	24
Tech Job Count	265,000+	215,000+

Major Employers

Seattle

• Amazon: 80,000+ (Seattle HQ)

• Microsoft: 57,000+ (Redmond)

• Boeing: 60,000+ (Puget Sound area)

• Starbucks: 4,000+ (Seattle HQ)

• Costco: 2,500+ (Issaquah HQ)

• Nordstrom: 2,000+ (Seattle HQ)

• T-Mobile: 7,000+ (Bellevue)

• Expedia: 4,500+ (Seattle)

• Alaska Airlines: 9,000+ (SeaTac)

Dallas–Fort Worth

• AT&T: 15,000+ (Dallas HQ)

• JPMorgan Chase: 8,000+ (Legacy West)

• American Airlines: 30,000+ (Fort Worth HQ)

• Southwest Airlines: 12,000+ (Dallas HQ)

• ExxonMobil: 10,000+ (Irving)

• Toyota North America: 4,000+ (Plano)

• Amazon: 5,000+ (DFW expansion)

• Goldman Sachs: 2,500+ (Richardson)

• Texas Instruments: 30,000+ (Dallas)

• Lockheed Martin: 15,000+ (Fort Worth)

Technology & Software Comparison

Seattle Tech Dominance

• Amazon HQ: 80,000+ employees

• Microsoft: Redmond campus

• Startup ecosystem: $5.8B funding (2025)

• Software Engineer avg salary: $155,000

• Total tech jobs: 265,000+

Dallas Tech Growth

• Tech jobs: 215,000+ (smaller but growing faster)

• Startup funding: $4.8B (2025)

• Software Engineer avg salary: $125,000

• 5-year growth: 24.8% vs Seattle’s 12.4%

The Tech Calculation for Seattle Workers

Seattle salary: $155,000Dallas salary: $125,000 (-19%)

But:

• Housing costs 57% lower in Dallas

• Overall cost of living 41% lower

• Purchasing power often increases even with a pay cut

Example: Software Engineer

• Seattle: $155,000; $3,800/mo rent (1BR) → ~$109,400 after housing

• Dallas: $125,000; $1,900/mo rent (1BR) → ~$102,200 after housing

• Difference: $7,200 advantage Seattle

Dallas still often wins on:

• Larger space for same rent

• Homeownership feasibility

• Lower daily costs

• No WA capital gains tax impact on equity comp

Aerospace & Engineering

Seattle Dominates

• Boeing: 60,000+ employees

• Blue Origin: growing

• Deep aerospace supply chain

Dallas Has a Strong Presence

• Lockheed Martin: 15,000+ (F-35)

• Bell Helicopter: major presence

• Defense contractors: Raytheon + others

Verdict: Seattle retains aerospace edge; Dallas offers major defense/aerospace alternatives.

Salary Comparison by Profession

Profession	Seattle Avg	Dallas Avg	Difference	Net Advantage (After COL)
Software Engineer	$155,000	$125,000	-19%	Dallas (lower COL)
Financial Analyst	$95,000	$88,000	-7%	Dallas
Registered Nurse	$98,000	$95,000	-3%	Dallas
Marketing Manager	$105,000	$98,000	-7%	Dallas
Project Manager	$115,000	$105,000	-9%	Dallas
Sales Executive	$108,000	$105,000	-3%	Dallas

Key Insight: Dallas salaries are often 7–19% lower, but housing (57% cheaper) and overall living costs (41% lower) can create higher net purchasing power.

Weather: The Defining Difference

Annual Weather Comparison

Metric	Seattle	Dallas
Average High (Summer)	76°F	96°F
Average Low (Winter)	37°F	37°F
Sunny Days per Year	152	234
Rainy Days per Year	155	80
Snowy Days per Year	5–8	1–2
Humidity (Summer)	70%	62%

Seattle Drizzle vs. Dallas Sun Trade

Seattle Weather Reality

• Mild year-round

• Gray season: October–May

• 155 rainy days (often drizzle/mist)

• Low sunshine: 152 sunny days

• SAD is common

• Summers are perfect (70–80°F)

Dallas Weather Reality

• Hot summers (95–105°F June–September)

• Mild winters

• 234 sunny days (far more than Seattle)

• More defined seasons

• Outdoor activity 10–11 months

What Seattle Transplants Say About Dallas Weather

• “Dallas sunshine changed my mood entirely.”

• “Heat is intense but manageable with A/C.”

• “I can golf in January.”

• “My kids play outside constantly.”

What They Miss About Seattle Weather

• Perfect Seattle summers

• Mild stability

• Green scenery

• Rarely needing A/C

Schools: Seattle vs. Dallas Comparison

Seattle Public Schools

• 52,000+ students

• Graduation rate: 83%

• Strong schools: Ballard, Roosevelt, Garfield (magnet programs)

• Challenges: funding issues, teacher strikes, variance in quality

• Competitive lottery system

• Per-pupil spending: $17,500+

Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah)

• High-performing, competitive

• Graduation rate: 92%

• SAT average: 1240

Dallas-Area School Districts

District	Graduation	SAT Average	Rating	Character
Highland Park ISD	99%	1285	10/10	Dallas’ best
Carroll ISD (Southlake)	99%	1265	10/10	Texas #1
Frisco ISD	97%	1185	9/10	Large, excellent
Prosper ISD	98%	1198	9/10	Top 15 Texas
Plano ISD	97%	1180	8/10	Strong, established
Allen ISD	97%	1178	8/10	Consistent
McKinney ISD	96%	1172	8/10	Good value

School Verdict

• Seattle city schools: inconsistent with pockets of excellence

• Eastside: elite and comparable to top Dallas suburbs

• Dallas suburbs: consistently strong across entire districts, reducing reliance on lotteries/private schools

Private School Comparison

School Type	Seattle	Dallas
Elite Private (K–12)	$35,000–$42,000/year	$30,000–$38,000/year
Mid-Tier Private	$20,000–$30,000/year	$15,000–$22,000/year
Parochial/Religious	$10,000–$16,000/year	$8,000–$14,000/year

Examples:

• Seattle: Lakeside, University Prep, Bush

• Dallas: Greenhill, Hockaday, St. Mark’s, ESD

Quality of Life Comparison

Outdoor Recreation & Natural Beauty

Seattle Dominates

• Puget Sound access

• Cascades + Olympics within 90 minutes

• Mt. Rainier backdrop

• San Juan Islands

• Massive hiking/skiing ecosystem

• Unmatched natural beauty

Dallas Offers

• Lakes: Grapevine, Lewisville, Ray Hubbard

• Golf: 50+ courses, nearly year-round

• 200+ miles of trails (White Rock Lake loop 9.3 miles)

• State Fair of Texas

• No mountains, no ocean

Verdict: Seattle’s natural beauty is irreplaceable. Dallas offers alternative recreation and more sunshine-driven outdoor time.

Culture, Coffee, & Food

Seattle Strengths

• Coffee capital

• Grunge heritage

• Pike Place Market

• Strong music scene

• High-quality Asian cuisine

• Fresh seafood

• Outdoor culture embedded in identity

Dallas Offerings

• Legendary Texas BBQ

• Tex-Mex everywhere

• Steakhouses

• Dallas Arts District

• Cowboys culture

• State Fair tradition

• Food scene improving

Verdict: Seattle leads in coffee, music, and diversity. Dallas excels in Texas-specific culture (BBQ, football, Tex-Mex).

Traffic & Commuting

Seattle

• Top 10 worst traffic often cited

• I-5 congestion

• Commute: 35–50 minutes

• Parking: $200–$400/month downtown

• Ferry system: unique but time-intensive

Dallas

• Moderate traffic overall

• Commute: 25–35 minutes

• Tollway system: $100–$175/month typical

• Parking often free outside downtown

Time savings moving to Dallas: 150–250 hours/year.

Neighborhood Equivalents: Seattle → Dallas

Capitol Hill / Fremont → Uptown Dallas / Deep Ellum

• Urban, walkable, nightlife, young professionals

• Housing: $700K–$1.4M (Seattle) vs $350K–$850K (Dallas)

Ballard → Bishop Arts District

• Indie, breweries, eclectic, foodie

• Housing: $850K–$1.5M vs $350K–$750K

Bellevue / Redmond → Frisco / Prosper

• Tech families, top schools, suburban comfort

• Housing: $1.05M–$2M vs $575K–$1.2M

Madison Park / Queen Anne → Highland Park / University Park

• Prestige, luxury, tree-lined neighborhoods

• Housing: $1.2M–$5M+ in both

Mercer Island → Southlake

• Pinnacle suburban prestige, top schools

• Housing: $1.4M–$6M+ (Seattle) vs $800K–$6M (Dallas)

Explore Dallas suburbs: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/frisco-realtor-new-homes-real-estate

What Seattle Transplants Love About Dallas

Space & Housing

• “4,500 sq ft for less than our Seattle bungalow.”

• “Kids have their own rooms plus a playroom.”

• “A real yard and a pool.”

• “Three-car garage is normal here.”

Sunshine & Mood

• “The sunshine is life-changing.”

• “Seasonal depression disappeared.”

• “Kids are outside all the time.”

• “Golf in January.”

Affordability & Lifestyle

• “Saving $2,500/month on housing.”

• “Restaurants are 30–40% cheaper.”

• “No more $35 brunch.”

Careers

• “DFW job market is growing faster.”

• “More industry diversity than Seattle.”

• “Business is cheaper to start and operate.”

What Seattle Transplants Miss About Seattle

Natural Beauty

• Mountains + water are irreplaceable

• Weekend hiking culture

• Mt. Rainier views

• Puget Sound + islands

Culture & Character

• Coffee + indie culture

• Pike Place and quirky neighborhoods

• Stronger Asian food scene

• Pacific Northwest identity

Weather (Sometimes)

• Mild Seattle summers

• Green scenery

• Rarely needing A/C

People & Politics

• More progressive environment

• Outdoor-minded culture

• Texas politics can feel challenging

The Bottom Line: Who Should Move to Dallas from Seattle?

Dallas Is the Right Move If You

• Are priced out of Seattle homeownership

• Want more space and a yard

• Want more sunshine and fewer gray months

• Have kids and value consistent suburban schools

• Want shorter commutes

• Prioritize wealth-building and affordability

• Can handle hot summers

• Have portable work (tech/finance/healthcare/remote)

Stay in Seattle If You

• Need mountains + water nearby

• Your career depends on Seattle’s tech ecosystem

• Love mild weather and don’t mind gray

• Value Seattle’s culture and character deeply

• Have deep local roots

• Progressive politics are essential

• You cannot tolerate 100°F heat

• You already have affordable housing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I regret leaving the mountains and Puget Sound?

Natural beauty is what Seattle transplants miss most. Dallas can’t replicate the Cascades, Rainier, or island getaways. Many families decide the financial and lifestyle upgrade outweighs it, then plan annual outdoor trips.

Q: Can I find good coffee in Dallas?

Dallas coffee is improving, but Seattle is the gold standard. Dallas shines more in BBQ, Tex-Mex, and steakhouses. Most transplants learn to trade coffee perfection for sunshine and space.

Q: How does Dallas tech compare to Seattle for career growth?

Seattle remains a top-tier tech hub. Dallas is smaller but growing faster. If your career is tied to Seattle-specific ecosystems, Seattle wins. If you’re remote or at a national company, Dallas can be a strong move.

Q: Are Seattle salaries transferable to Dallas?

Many relocations come with a 10–20% pay cut. However, housing and living costs are dramatically lower. Purchasing power often improves despite lower salary.

Q: Will I survive Dallas summer heat coming from Seattle?

Most transplants adjust in one summer. The heat is intense, but A/C is everywhere. Many people prefer 3 months of heat over 8 months of gray.

Q: Where should I live in Dallas if I’m from [Seattle neighborhood]?

• Capitol Hill/Fremont → Uptown Dallas / Deep Ellum

• Ballard → Bishop Arts

• Bellevue/Redmond → Frisco / Prosper

• Queen Anne/Madison Park → Highland Park / University Park

• Mercer Island → Southlake

Q: Should I rent first or buy immediately in Dallas?

Many rent 6–12 months to learn the metro. But DFW appreciation can be strong, so confident buyers often prefer purchasing sooner to build equity.

Seattle to Dallas Relocation Checklist

Before You Move (3–6 Months Out)

• Research suburbs and neighborhoods

• Schedule a house-hunting trip (2–3 days minimum)

• Get mortgage pre-approval if buying

• Compare school districts

• Confirm salary adjustments/remote work policy

• Understand relocation package (if any)

• Book movers early (summer fills fast)

• Plan Seattle home sale or lease exit strategy

House-Hunting Trip

• Drive commute routes at rush hour

• Experience Uptown Dallas

• Tour Frisco/Prosper

• Visit Southlake Town Square

• Explore McKinney Historic Downtown

• Compare at least 3 communities

• Visit schools (if applicable)

After Arrival

• Get Texas driver’s license within 90 days

• Register vehicle within 30 days of license

• Set up TxTag

• Apply for homestead exemption (after purchase)

• Update voter registration

• Establish Texas banking relationships

• Join Seattle expat groups (Facebook/Meetup)

Why Seattle Relocators Choose Nitin Gupta

Understanding Seattle Transplants’ Unique Needs

Seattle buyers often bring tech-industry perspectives, high quality standards, preference for walkability, and deep appreciation for outdoor access. As a CRS-certified (Top 3% nationally) and GRI-designated specialist with extensive experience representing Seattle relocators, I provide honest guidance on what Dallas offers — and what it cannot replace.

How I Serve Seattle Families

Seattle-to-Dallas Translations

• Which Dallas neighborhood feels closest to Capitol Hill?

• Where can I find walkability and coffee culture?

• Which suburbs offer the best outdoor recreation access?

• Honest assessment: Dallas won’t replace the mountains, but here’s what it delivers

Financial Expertise

• Seattle equity maximization strategy

• WA capital gains tax vs Texas planning

• Property tax vs affordability analysis

• Investment opportunities with excess Seattle equity

Schedule Flexibility

• Video consultations across time zones (Pacific → Central)

• Evening and weekend showings

• Under 30-minute response time

• Remote purchase capability

Credentials

• CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Top 3% nationally

• GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute)

• D Magazine Best Realtor: 2020, 2023, 2024

• 300+ successful transactions

View credentials: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/dallas-realtor-designationsClient reviews: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/reviewsVideo tours: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoqLSZe-clVS7c_q1rIR2zA/

Explore Dallas Communities

• Frisco Luxury & New Construction: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/frisco-realtor-new-homes-real-estate

• Prosper Homes & Top Schools: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/prosper-real-estate

• Celina Maximum Value: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/celina-real-estate

• McKinney Character & History: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/mckinney-real-estate

• Flower Mound Lake Lifestyle: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/flower-mound-real-estate-home-realtor

• Southlake Premier Luxury: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/southlake-homes-for-sale-real-estate

Schedule Your Free Consultation

30 minutes. Phone or video. Your schedule. No pressure.

Contact Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI

D Magazine Best Realtor 2020, 2023, 2024

Seattle-to-Dallas Relocation Specialist

• Phone: 469-269-6541

• Email: nitin@nitinguptadfw.com

• Schedule: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact-us

Free Consultation Includes

• Seattle neighborhood → Dallas community matching

• Financial analysis: cost of living + housing savings

• Equity maximization strategy from Seattle home sale

• School district comparisons

• Urban vs suburban lifestyle mapping

• Sunshine vs mountains honest trade-off discussion

• Current luxury inventory overview

• Full buyer representation at no cost to you

About the Author

Nitin Gupta is a CRS-certified (Certified Residential Specialist - Top 3% nationally) and GRI-designated buyer’s agent specializing in luxury real estate and relocation throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. With 10+ years of DFW experience, 300+ successful transactions, and extensive work representing Seattle, California, New York, Chicago, and other high-cost market relocators, Nitin provides the honest, data-driven guidance that Pacific Northwest families need when considering one of America’s most significant lifestyle transitions. Recognized as D Magazine’s Best Realtor in 2020, 2023, and 2024.

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

FIND A LUXURY HOME IN  McKinney, TEXAS WITH NITIN GUPTA, BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR®.

When purchasing a luxury home in McKinney, 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 McKinney market.

For those looking to invest in luxury homes in McKinney, 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 Mckinney's elite communities.