It Now Takes Over $200,000 To Live Comfortably In North Texas

In North Texas, the cost of living is rising so fast that even Dallas, one of the region’s major economic centers, demands an income well above what most households earn to live comfortably.

According to a recent study by financial firm SmartAsset, it now takes over $200,000 a year for a family of four to cover necessities, enjoy life and save for the future in Dallas. Meanwhile, the city’s median household income remains far lower, making affordable comfort a distant goal for many.

What Is Living Comfortably?

The definition of “comfortable living” varies widely depending on individual preferences and family situations. The study used the 50/30/20 budgeting rule to create rankings of affordability across cities. This rule divides income by 50% toward necessities such as housing, food, transportation and medical expenses; 30% toward discretionary spending like travel and hobbies; and 20% toward savings or debt repayment.

How Much You Must Make In Dallas

The study found that a single person in Dallas needs nearly $96,000 a year to live comfortably, while a family of four requires more than $213,000. This starkly contrasts with the city’s median household income of $70,121, less than half what a family would need.

High housing costs, childcare and other essentials push those comfortable living numbers even higher, making Dallas one of the most expensive cities in the region…

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