Living in Dallas: the ultimate expat guide

Dallas has established itself as a major business hub, attracting corporations and startups alike with its business-friendly environment and skilled workforce. The metropolitan area's GDP exceeds $600 billion, ranking it among the largest economies globally.

Key Industries and Employment Sectors

The Dallas-Fort Worth region thrives across multiple industries. Technology has emerged as a major force, with companies like Texas Instruments, AT&T, and numerous tech startups calling Dallas home. Healthcare employs tens of thousands through systems like Baylor Scott & White Health and Texas Health Resources. Finance and banking maintain a strong presence, with JPMorgan Chase and other major institutions operating significant operations here. The aerospace and defense sector, anchored by Lockheed Martin and American Airlines, provides substantial employment opportunities.

Work Visas and Employment Requirements

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Dallas typically require an H-1B visa for specialty occupations. The H-1B requires employer sponsorship and is initially valid for three years, extendable to six years. Annual caps limit new visas to 65,000 regular positions plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders from U.S. institutions. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specialty field. As of September 2025, significant changes have been implemented to the H-1B program, so prospective applicants should consult the USCIS website for current requirements.

The following table provides key employment indicators for Dallas:

Sources: City of Dallas Office of Economic Development, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dallas offers excellent higher education options for international students, with several universities providing globally recognized programs and robust support services for foreign nationals.

Major Universities

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is a top-tier public research university located in Richardson, just north of Dallas. It enrolls over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries and offers 152 academic programs across seven schools. UT Dallas is particularly renowned for its Naveen Jindal School of Management and programs in engineering, computer science, and neuroscience. Undergraduate tuition for international students is approximately $40,144 per year, while graduate tuition runs around $29,548 annually. Visit www.utdallas.edu for details.

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a prestigious private institution, sits in the heart of Dallas's University Park neighborhood. SMU offers strong programs in business, law, engineering, and the arts. International students benefit from dedicated support through the International Student and Scholar Services office.

University of Dallas, a private Catholic university in Irving, provides liberal arts education with undergraduate tuition around $50,880 per year for international students. More information is available at udallas.edu.

Admission Requirements for International Students

International applicants typically must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores demonstrating English proficiency. Graduate programs may require GRE or GMAT scores depending on the field. Students must also provide proof of financial support for the Form I-20 or DS-2019 visa documentation. Most universities offer fall (August) and spring (January) intakes, with application deadlines typically in February for fall admission and October for spring.

Families relocating to Dallas will find a wide range of educational options, from excellent public schools to prestigious private and international institutions catering to diverse backgrounds.

Public Schools

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is one of the largest in Texas, serving over 140,000 students across more than 200 schools. Public education is free for residents, though families may need to provide proof of residency for enrollment. Several DISD schools offer magnet programs with specialized curricula in STEM, performing arts, and languages. Surrounding districts like Plano ISD, Richardson ISD, and Highland Park ISD consistently rank among the state's best.

International and Private Schools

Dallas International School (DIS) stands out as the only fully bilingual French-English immersion school in North Texas, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. DIS offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the French Baccalaureate, with students from over 50 nationalities. Annual tuition ranges from $22,000 to $26,500 depending on grade level. Third language options include Spanish, Mandarin, and German. Learn more at dallasinternationalschool.org.

Other notable private schools include St. Mark's School of Texas (boys), The Hockaday School (girls), and Greenhill School (coeducational). The average private school tuition in Dallas is approximately $16,679 for elementary and $20,595 for high school levels. Most private schools require entrance examinations and may have waitlists, so early application is advised.

Sources: Dallas ISD, Dallas International School

Dallas offers diverse housing options across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range. Understanding the rental market and neighborhood dynamics will help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Popular Neighborhoods for Newcomers

Uptown attracts young professionals with its walkable streets, trendy restaurants, and proximity to downtown business districts. The free McKinney Avenue Trolley connects residents to shops and entertainment. Expect to pay premium rents for the urban convenience.

Deep Ellum appeals to artists and creatives with its live music venues, street art, and industrial-chic loft apartments. This historic neighborhood east of downtown offers a more affordable alternative to Uptown while maintaining excellent access to city amenities.

Lakewood and Lake Highlands suit families seeking excellent schools and outdoor recreation near White Rock Lake. These established neighborhoods offer single-family homes and a suburban feel within city limits.

Plano and Richardson, northern suburbs, provide family-friendly environments with top-rated schools, corporate campuses, and diverse dining options. Many international families settle here for the combination of safety, schools, and community.

Rental Prices and Housing Costs

The average monthly rent in Dallas is approximately $1,995 across all property types. The following table shows typical rent ranges:

Renters typically need to provide proof of income (usually three times monthly rent), a credit check, and references. Security deposits generally equal one month's rent.

Sources: Zillow, Apartment List

Dallas offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from world-class museums to vibrant nightlife and outdoor recreation. The city's entertainment options cater to diverse interests and budgets.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Dallas Arts District, spanning 118 acres, ranks as the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation. Key highlights include the Dallas Museum of Art with over 22,000 works spanning 5,000 years – and free general admission. The Nasher Sculpture Center houses one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture worldwide. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers interactive exhibits perfect for families.

History enthusiasts should visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, chronicling the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum provide thought-provoking experiences.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Deep Ellum remains the heart of Dallas's live music and nightlife scene, with venues like The Bomb Factory hosting major concerts. The Bishop Arts District offers independent boutiques, art galleries, and eclectic restaurants in a walkable neighborhood setting. Uptown's McKinney Avenue corridor features upscale bars and restaurants popular with young professionals.

Sports and Outdoor Recreation

Dallas supports passionate sports fans with the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), Texas Rangers (MLB in nearby Arlington), and FC Dallas (MLS). White Rock Lake provides 9 miles of trails for jogging, cycling, and kayaking. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers 66 acres of seasonal displays along White Rock Lake's shores. Klyde Warren Park downtown hosts free yoga classes, food trucks, and community events.

Sources: Visit Dallas, Dallas Museum of Art

Understanding daily life in Dallas helps newcomers adapt quickly to their new environment. From transportation to cultural norms, here's what to expect when settling into the city.

Transportation Options

Dallas is primarily a car-dependent city, though public transit serves core areas effectively. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operates an extensive light rail network with four lines and 66 stations, connecting downtown to suburbs including Plano, Richardson, Irving, and DFW International Airport. As of March 2025, a 3-Hour Pass costs $3, while a Monthly Pass is $126. Reduced fares are available for seniors, students, and qualifying individuals. The GoPass app allows convenient mobile ticketing and trip planning.

Most residents own vehicles due to the city's sprawling layout. DFW International Airport, one of the world's busiest, provides excellent domestic and international connections. Dallas Love Field serves as a secondary airport, primarily used by Southwest Airlines.

Climate and Lifestyle

Dallas enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers often exceeding 100°F (38°C) and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Air conditioning is essential from May through September. The city averages 234 sunny days annually.

Dallas culture blends Texas traditions with cosmopolitan influences. Residents embrace Tex-Mex cuisine, barbecue, and an increasingly diverse food scene. The pace of life feels fast-paced yet friendly, with Southern hospitality evident in daily interactions. Casual dress is acceptable in most settings, though business environments vary. The city hosts vibrant communities from around the world, with notable populations from Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

Sources: DART, Visit Dallas

Dallas offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to coastal cities like New York or San Francisco, though it ranks as the most expensive city in Texas. Understanding typical expenses will help you plan your budget effectively.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single person can expect the following typical monthly expenses:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

A family with two adults and two children should anticipate these approximate costs:

Note that Texas has no state income tax, which can offset higher property taxes and provide significant savings compared to states with income tax. Sales tax in Dallas is 8.25%, and property tax rates average around 2.22% of assessed home value.

Sources: Numbeo, Apartments.com