Plano / Frisco
$450k–$600k
Corporate jobs and strong schools. HOA common in new builds.
Dallas · Texas
How Much House Can You Afford in Dallas?
Median home near $385,000. Typical income near $75,000. Moderate to high — growth pushed prices in some suburbs. Run the calculator — this page also has salary tiers, neighborhood prices, and local buyer guides.
Dallas home affordability at a glance
Planning figures for Dallas, Texas. Your lender quote and tax bill may differ — use these as a starting point.
$385,000Median home price
$75,000Median household income
$120,312+Rough gross for median (3× rule)
$2,711/moEst. PITI on median (20% down)
On a median $385,000 home, property tax near 1.7% is about $545/month. Insurance near 0.42% of value is about $134/month. HOA is about $85/month where it applies.
DFW spans many tax districts. Check the county rate on the listing, not just the state average.
Monthly payment breakdown on a median Dallas home
Estimated PITI at $385,000 list, 20% down, 6.5% rate, and Dallas tax and insurance defaults. Principal and interest are the largest line — but tax, insurance, and HOA still move the stress meter.
Estimated monthly PITI
$2,711/mo
In Dallas, buyers who only compare list price to income miss tax and insurance. Run the calculator with your real debts — the 36% back-end rule includes car loans and cards.
How much house can you afford in Dallas by salary?
Max home price at common gross salaries, 6.5% rate, $300/month other debt, and Dallas tax and insurance. Stress label uses the 28% housing cap.
| Gross salary | Max home (est.) | Stress |
|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $205,877 | Moderate |
| $100,000 | $278,006 | Moderate |
| $125,000 | $350,135 | Moderate |
| $150,000 | $422,264 | Moderate |
| $200,000 | $566,522 | Moderate |
These rows assume no down payment in the solver — your down payment raises what you can buy. Enter your real numbers in the calculator for a personal max.
Texas take-home pay calculator · Comfortable salary in Dallas
Dallas home prices by area
The citywide median blends expensive and affordable pockets. Use these ranges as a map — not a guarantee for any one listing.
Oak Cliff / Bishop Arts
$320k–$450k
Urban reinvestment zone. Prices rose with migration from coastal states.
Garland / Richardson
$300k–$380k
Often below DFW median. Good rail access in some pockets.
Fort Worth (DFW)
$280k–$400k
Western half of the metro often cheaper than Dallas proper.
The 28/36 rule in Dallas
Lenders often use two caps. Our calculator applies both so you see a realistic max — not just what a bank might pre-approve.
28% front-end
Your full housing payment — mortgage, tax, insurance, and HOA — should stay near or below 28% of gross monthly income. In Dallas, insurance and HOA often push buyers over this line before list price does.
36% back-end
All monthly debt plus housing should stay near or below 36% of gross income. A $400 car payment and $250 in student loans shrink your max home price even when income is strong.
Stress meter
We label results Comfortable, Moderate, Stretched, or Over limit. Shop below your max if you want room for repairs, childcare, or savings — especially in Texas where tax and insurance vary by block.
Buying a home in Dallas: local context
Dallas–Fort Worth is a spread-out market. Median price near $385k is a midpoint — Plano and Frisco run higher, southern suburbs often lower.
Job growth pulled prices up in some rings. Wages near $75k median mean many buyers target homes below the median to stay Comfortable on the stress meter.
HOA is common in master-planned suburbs. Add $85 or more in the calculator if the listing has an HOA line.
Tax districts differ by county and city. Use the seller's tax certificate, not a statewide guess, when you plan your payment.
Dallas–Fort Worth is a spread-out market. Median price near $385k blends pricey northern suburbs and more affordable southern blocks.
Job growth pulled migration from California and the Midwest. Competition is softer than 2021 but still real in top school zones.
Summer electric bills on large homes can add $200+ a month. Budget utilities beyond PITI.
Foundation and soil movement show up in inspections. Older pier-and-beam homes need a careful structural review.
How much house can I afford in Dallas on $100k?
At $100,000 gross, the 28% line is about $2,333 a month. That often maps to $320,000–$380,000 with 20% down at 6.5% — near or below the metro median near $385,000.
Property tax near 1.7% is a big line item. On a $350k home that is roughly $495 a month before insurance.
DFW spans many tax districts. Use the listing's tax certificate, not a statewide guess.
Dallas property tax and HOA in master-planned suburbs
Texas schools are funded largely through property tax. A low list price does not mean a low tax bill.
HOA near $85 a month is our default — Plano and Frisco plans often run $100–$200.
MUD taxes on new developments can add $200+ a month until bonds pay down.
What income do you need for a median Dallas home?
For a $385,000 median home with 20% down, plan on $95,000–$110,000 gross at 6.5% with modest debt.
Tech and finance transfers from coastal states pushed some suburb prices up. Wages near $75k median mean many buyers shop below the median.
Dual income at $55k–$65k each can reach Comfortable on a $320k home with low debt.
Rent vs buy in Dallas
DFW rent near $1,550 and moderate list prices favor buying after five to seven years in many suburbs. Hail insurance and tax still matter — run both sides in rent vs buy.
First-time buyer tips in Dallas
- Compare Plano tax vs Dallas city tax on similar list prices.
- Ask about MUD and PID fees on new construction.
- Hail claims history can raise premiums — check the CLUE report if you can.
- Model a longer commute from Fort Worth to see payment vs gas tradeoffs.
FAQ — how much house can I afford in Dallas?
What salary do I need for a median Dallas home?
Roughly $95k–$110k gross with 20% down at 6.5%, before other debts.
Do Dallas homes have HOA?
Many suburbs do. Enter $85+ in the calculator if you are buying in a planned community.
Is Dallas more expensive than Houston?
Median list is higher in Dallas in our data. Property tax rates are similar.
Do Dallas homes have HOA?
Many suburbs do. Enter the real HOA from the listing in the calculator.
Can I afford Dallas on $75k?
You can often target $250k–$300k with 20% down. Above $350k may feel Stretched with debt.
What about Collin County vs Dallas County?
Tax and school lines change the bill. Always use the address-specific rate.