Relocation & Cost of Living Intelligence

UX / UI Designer Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth vs. Austin

Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for UX / UI Designers moving between Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and Austin, Texas.

Relocation Verdict & Financial Impact

Moving from Dallas-Fort Worth to Austin

Winner:Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth Median
$120,000
Base gross pay
Austin Median
$121,000
+0.8% vs Dallas-Fort Worth
Cost of Living Delta
+11.3%
Austin is higher
Break-Even Salary
$133,600
Required in Austin

To maintain your current standard of living in Dallas-Fort Worth ($120,000), you will need a salary of at least $133,600 in Austin due to higher local living costs.

  • Housing: Housing is 21% more expensive in Austin (median 1-bed: $1,650/mo vs $1,480/mo in Dallas-Fort Worth).
  • Taxes: Both Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary.
  • Purchasing Power: Earning the median $121,000 in Austin provides an estimated 9.4% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $120,000 in Dallas-Fort Worth.
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Adjust Your Dallas-Fort Worth Salary

Move the slider or enter your exact salary in Dallas-Fort Worth to see your required target compensation in Austin.

Current Annual Salary
$120,000
Entry ($51,100)Median ($120,000)Top Tier ($281,250)
Dallas-Fort Worth Benchmark
$120,000

Median for UX / UI Designer in Dallas-Fort Worth: $120,000

Required in Austin to Break Even
$133,600

+11.3% ($13,600 difference) to match living standards.

Austin Market Median Pay
$121,000

⚠ Market pay is $12,600 below break-even

UX / UI Designer Salary Percentiles: Dallas-Fort Worth vs. Austin

Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.

Percentile LevelDallas-Fort Worth BaseAustin BaseDifference
10th Percentile (Entry Level)$73,000$73,500+1%
25th Percentile (Junior / Mid)$92,000$93,000+1%
50th Percentile (Median Benchmark)$120,000$121,000+0.8%
75th Percentile (Senior Level)$152,000$153,500+1%
90th Percentile (Staff / Lead)$187,500$189,000+1%

Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category

Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.

Overall Cost of Living
+11%
Dallas-Fort Worth: 106
Austin: 118
Housing & Rent
+21%
Dallas-Fort Worth: 114
Austin: 138
Groceries & Food
+4%
Dallas-Fort Worth: 100
Austin: 104
Utilities & Energy
-9%
Dallas-Fort Worth: 108
Austin: 98
Transportation
-4%
Dallas-Fort Worth: 110
Austin: 106
Healthcare
-2%
Dallas-Fort Worth: 101
Austin: 99

Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis

Dallas-Fort Worth (TX)State Tax: 0%

Gross Income:$120,000
Est. Federal Income Tax:-$22,800
Est. State & Local Tax:-$0
Estimated Net Take-Home:$97,200/yr
Approx. $8,100 net per month

Austin (TX)State Tax: 0%

Gross Income (Median):$121,000
Est. Federal Income Tax:-$22,990
Est. State & Local Tax:-$0
Estimated Net Take-Home:$98,010/yr
Approx. $8,168 net per month

* Note: Tax estimations are based on standard single filer brackets and effective statutory rates. Actual tax obligations depend on filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and local municipal withholdings.

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Find Apartments in Austin

Explore 1-bed rentals in Austin (median: $1,650/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.

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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere

Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Austin salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?

  • Curated remote UX / UI Designer openings
  • Standardized global/US compensation
Browse Remote UX / UI Designer Jobs

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City Profiles & Living Factors

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Climate: Humid Subtropical (Hot summers)
COL Index: 106

A major corporate magnet offering zero state income tax and spacious, affordable housing for growing families and remote workers.

Key Advantages
0% State Income TaxMassive Corporate BaseSpacious Housing

Austin, Texas

Climate: Humid Subtropical (Warm / Sunny)
COL Index: 118

Known as Silicon Hills, Austin offers a booming tech ecosystem with zero state income tax, making it a prime destination for remote and hybrid tech workers.

Key Advantages
0% State Income TaxSilicon Hills Tech HubVibrant Live Music & Food

Frequently Asked Questions: UX / UI Designer (Dallas-Fort Worth vs. Austin)

How much does a UX / UI Designer make in Dallas-Fort Worth vs. Austin?

In Dallas-Fort Worth, the median salary for a UX / UI Designer is $120,000 per year (range: $92,000 - $152,000). In Austin, the median salary is $121,000 per year (range: $93,000 - $153,500), representing a +0.8% compensation difference.

What salary in Austin equals a $120,000 salary in Dallas-Fort Worth?

To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $120,000 salary in Dallas-Fort Worth, you would need to earn approximately $133,600 in Austin, due to the 11.3% higher cost of living in Austin.

Is it more expensive to live in Dallas-Fort Worth or Austin?

Austin is more expensive overall. Austin has a Cost of Living Index of 118 compared to 106 for Dallas-Fort Worth. Housing is 21% more expensive in Austin (median 1-bed: $1,650/mo vs $1,480/mo in Dallas-Fort Worth).

How do state income taxes compare between Dallas-Fort Worth (TX) and Austin (TX)?

Both Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary. Dallas-Fort Worth has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 0%, while Austin has an estimated rate of 0%.

What are average rental costs in Dallas-Fort Worth vs. Austin?

The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Dallas-Fort Worth is approximately $1,480/month, compared to $1,650/month in Austin.