3

Dallas vs Seattle salary comparison?

I'm weighing job offers in Dallas and Seattle, both in software engineering. The Dallas offer is a bit higher on the base salary, but I'm trying to figure out if that's actually better after factoring in the cost of living and potential state income tax savings. Also, what's the general tech job market like in each city right now, if I consider switching jobs later?
AvatarSiliconPrairieMove• 98d ago

2 Answers

14
Seattle's cost of living is significantly higher, especially when it comes to housing. While Dallas may offer a nominally lower salary, your dollar stretches further. Texas has no state income tax, which is a major advantage. Seattle's tech market is more mature with bigger players (Amazon, Microsoft), while Dallas is growing quickly but has a different mix of companies. Consider your long-term career goals. If you want FAANG, Seattle is the obvious choice. For a more diverse range of companies and potentially lower stress, Dallas is a good option.
5
Use a cost of living calculator that includes taxes. Several reputable websites offer these. Input your current Seattle salary and the proposed Dallas salary, along with your job title. The calculator will estimate the equivalent salary needed in Dallas to maintain your current standard of living. Also, research typical software developer salaries in Dallas with your experience level on sites like Glassdoor or Salary.com to see if the offer is competitive within the Dallas market.
Your Answer