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.