Is Dallas or Austin Better for Tech?
Tale of Two Tech Titans
Texas has become a powerhouse in the tech industry, but both Austin and Dallas have their own way of leading the charge. While Sparkly Maid Austin serves an ever-growing tech community, each city offers unique advantages for a tech professional looking to make their next career move12.
Salary and Job Market
Dallas slightly outpaces Austin in terms of base salaries, paying an average of $114,000 to tech professionals, whereas Austin pays an average of $108,0002. At the same time, Austin demonstrates really impressive stability of the tech sector, which has grown 9.8% in 2022 against national averages1.
Advantage Cost of Living
Arguably the biggest selling point for Dallas is its affordability. While Austin boasts a median home price of $400,0002, Dallas's median home price comes in at just $270,000. If you're planning on making a move to either city, you may want to consider how a move-out cleaning service can best benefit your transition.
Startup Culture vs. Enterprise Culture
Austin-also called "Silicon Hills"-has branded itself as a haven for startups. It has over 7,600 tech firms and has seen an astonishing 200% increase in tech startups setting up their base of operation there within the last decade10. Major companies like Tesla, Apple, and Oracle have started calling Austin home.
Meanwhile, Dallas is leader in enterprise technology and telecommunications. Its approximately 3,000 technology companies and nearly 230,000 high tech employees make Dallas the second most important technology business center in the country after Silicon Valley.
Growth Trajectories
Key differences between the cities concern:
Austin is leading in the realms of funding, with over $5.5 billion in startup venture capital investment.
Dallas is strong in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology.
The technology employment in Austin is projected to grow 2.3% annually through 2027.
The Dallas tech sector will add 20,000 new jobs alone, especially in AI and blockchain.
Cultural Environment
Austin has this creative, laid-back vibe that lures innovative tech companies and startups alike. The collaborative environment of the city, further sweetened by heavy support from local investors and mentors, creates an ideal environment for early-stage startups.
Dallas, on the other hand, represents a more traditional corporate setting with its established tech sectors. The business-friendly atmosphere of the city has made it home to many Fortune 500 companies, including Texas Instruments, AT&T, and JPMorgan Chase.
Industry Focus
Austin particularly shines in:
Artificial Intelligence
Fintech
Health Tech
Clean Energy
Dallas dominates in:
Telecommunications
Cybersecurity
Enterprise Solutions
Financial Services Technology
Future Outlook
Despite recent tech industry headwinds, Austin's 7.7% GDP growth rate ranked first among the 50 largest metros1. Indeed, the city maintains its talent appeal, posting net in-migration of 40,200 people in 2022. Dallas has kept strong due to a well-diversified tech ecosystem and strong telecom and enterprise solution footprints.
For tech professionals weighing their options, the choice often comes down to personal preference and career goals. If you're drawn to the startup culture and innovation, Austin may be your scene. If your priorities are higher salaries and a lower cost of living, Dallas may be your better bet. As both cities continue to grow and Sparkly Maid Austin continues to bear witness, it is clear that either choice offers great opportunities to build a successful career in Texas within the tech field.
