Dallas vs. Nearby Cities: Services, Taxes and Rules

Thinking about Dallas but eyeing Plano, Frisco, or Fort Worth too? You are not alone. The real differences often show up in how taxes are built, which services you get, and the local rules that guide rentals and renovations. This guide breaks down what actually changes from city to city so you can compare total costs and day-to-day life with confidence. Let’s dive in.

How property taxes stack up

Property taxes in North Texas are a stack of rates from several taxing units. A typical bill combines the city, county, school district, community college, hospital district, and sometimes special districts like MUDs or PIDs. The appraisal district values your property. Each taxing unit sets its own rate.

Dallas publishes its city rate each year. For FY2025, the City of Dallas lists $0.698800 per $100 of value. The total you pay depends on which other taxing units apply to the address. You can review Dallas’s current city rate and examples on the city’s tax page. See Dallas’s tax rate information.

Nearby suburbs post their own city rates too, and the school district share can be a large part of the total. For example, Frisco provides a clear breakdown of its city portion on its site. View Frisco’s property tax page. Always confirm the exact mix for the specific property, since even homes a few blocks apart can sit in different districts.

Want the authoritative numbers for a Dallas County address? Check the Dallas County Tax Office for adopted rates and tax notices.

Homestead and other exemptions

Exemptions can reduce your taxable value. If the home is your primary residence, file a homestead exemption. Age 65 or older, disabled, or disabled veteran exemptions may apply too. Start with DCAD’s homestead portal.

Special districts: MUDs and PIDs

Many newer suburban neighborhoods use Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) or Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) to fund infrastructure. These can add a separate line to your property tax bill or a special assessment. Always ask whether a property sits inside a MUD or PID and request the latest levy and bond details before you make an offer.

Sales tax across the Metroplex

Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax. Local jurisdictions can add up to 2% more. Many North Texas shopping areas reach the 8.25% combined maximum. If you want to confirm a specific address or store, use the Comptroller’s lookup. Check the Texas sales tax basics and lookup tool.

Services that affect your budget

Water and sewer

In Dallas, Dallas Water Utilities provides water and wastewater service. Monthly bills, meter fees, and any one-time connection or tap fees for new work are posted by the city. Suburbs may use city utilities or a MUD-managed system. Ask who provides service at the address and request a recent bill. Explore Dallas Water Utilities.

Electricity and gas

Most of the region’s electric delivery is handled by a transmission and distribution utility, while you choose a retail electric provider. Delivery areas can vary by street. Confirm providers during your option period so you can budget accurately.

Trash, recycling, and bulky pickup

Dallas residents pay a monthly sanitation fee. Rules for brush and bulky pickup matter if you are moving, remodeling, or landscaping. Suburbs set their own rules, schedules, and fees. Review limits and any fines for overflow or loose bags. See Dallas sanitation guidelines.

Parks, libraries, and extras

Cities make different budget choices for amenities like parks, libraries, aquatics, and sidewalks. These decisions can change year to year. If an amenity is important to you, review the city’s adopted budget and current service schedules before you buy.

Rules that shape everyday use

Building permits and fees

Planning a renovation or a pool? Dallas Development Services posts permit requirements, plan review steps, and fee updates. Suburbs often add impact, tap, or thoroughfare fees for new builds. These can add thousands to a project. Ask the city and builder for a full fee breakdown. See a recent Dallas permitting update and fee information.

Short-term rentals (STRs)

Rules vary widely by city and are changing. Dallas adopted STR registration and zoning rules in 2023, and parts of enforcement in single-family areas have been under court injunctions. Always check the latest city guidance. Review Dallas’s STR page.

In April 2024, Plano voted to prohibit most new STRs in single-family neighborhoods and created a registration system for certain existing rentals. Read about Plano’s ordinance and program.

HOAs and covenants

Many newer suburban communities have HOAs that set architectural rules, rental policies, and parking standards. Some established Dallas neighborhoods have HOAs, while others do not. Always request the HOA resale package early to understand fees, restrictions, and any pending assessments.

Dallas vs. suburbs: what to expect

• Taxes: Dallas’s city rate is published annually and can be lower than some fast-growing suburbs. Your total still depends on school district, county, college, hospital district, and any MUD or PID.
• Sales tax: Most busy retail areas in the region land at 8.25% combined. Use the Comptroller lookup for an address-specific read.
• Utilities: Dallas uses city-provided water and wastewater. Many suburbs rely on city utilities or MUDs. Ask about one-time connection fees and monthly stormwater or sewer fees.
• Trash and bulky: Pickup schedules, limits, and fees vary by city. Dallas sets its own rules and monthly fee.
• Rules and permits: Suburbs may have impact or tap fees for new builds. STR rules differ city to city. Always confirm the latest code before you buy or list.

Smart checklist before you offer or list

• Get last year’s full tax bill and name all taxing units for the address. Use the Dallas County Tax Office for current rates.
• Confirm homestead and any other exemptions. Check deadlines with the appraisal district. Start at DCAD’s homestead site.
• Ask who provides water, sewer, trash, and electricity. Request recent bills and any one-time tap or meter fees. Dallas Water Utilities is your starting point for Dallas addresses.
• Verify if the property is in a MUD or PID. If yes, get the latest levy and bond schedule.
• Request the HOA resale package early. Review fees, rental rules, architectural controls, and any special assessments.
• Check STR rules and registration needs for the exact city and zone. Dallas STR page and Plano’s ordinance coverage are useful examples.
• For new builds or renovations, request a permit and fee estimate from the city. See Dallas permitting updates.
• For retail cost comparisons, confirm combined sales tax by address. Use the Texas Comptroller lookup.

Ready to compare with a pro?

You deserve a clear picture of your true carrying costs and the rules that fit how you live. If you want a simple, side-by-side for Dallas, Plano, Frisco, or another suburb, we will tailor it to your addresses and plans. Reach out to Chris Blackman for a friendly, detailed walkthrough and a plan that fits your timeline.

FAQs

How do Dallas property taxes compare to nearby suburbs?

• Your total depends on all taxing units, not just the city. Dallas lists its city rate each year, and suburbs do the same. Always verify the exact mix for the specific address with the county and city tax pages.

What is the combined sales tax in Dallas and nearby cities?

• Texas is 6.25% state plus up to 2% local. Many retail areas in North Texas reach 8.25% combined. Use the Comptroller’s lookup for an exact location.

What are MUDs and PIDs, and why do they matter in the suburbs?

• Municipal Utility Districts and Public Improvement Districts fund infrastructure and can add taxes or assessments. They are common in newer communities and can impact your annual costs.

What is the current status of short-term rentals in Dallas vs. Plano?

• Dallas adopted STR rules, and parts of enforcement in single-family areas have been under court injunctions. Plano generally prohibits most new STRs in single-family neighborhoods and requires registration for certain existing ones.

Who provides water, sewer, and trash service in Dallas?

• Dallas Water Utilities handles water and wastewater. The city also sets trash, recycling, and bulky pickup rules and fees. Always confirm providers and schedules for your address.