Comparing Sharjah and Dallas: What to Expect When You Move
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- Feb 22
- 5 min read
Moving from Sharjah, UAE, to Dallas, Texas, (or vice versa) means adjusting to significant differences in lifestyle, culture, climate, and cost of living. While both cities offer great opportunities, they cater to different preferences and ways of life. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand what to expect.
1. Cost of Living
Dallas
Housing is more affordable than many major U.S. cities but more expensive than Sharjah.
No state income tax, but higher property taxes than Sharjah.
Utility bills can be higher, especially for air conditioning during summer.
Sharjah
Lower housing costs compared to Dallas and neighboring Dubai.
No income tax, but 5% VAT applies to goods and services.
Cheaper utilities, especially water and electricity.
Verdict: Sharjah generally has a lower cost of living, particularly in housing and utilities, but imported goods and some services may be more expensive.
2. Housing & Real Estate
Dallas
Offers a variety of luxury homes, apartments, and suburban communities with large lots.
More homeownership opportunities, with financing options available.
Houses often have yards, garages, and pools, which are rare in Sharjah apartments.
Sharjah
More affordable rental options, especially compared to Dubai.
High-rise apartments dominate the market, with villas available in some areas.
Expats cannot buy freehold property in most areas but can lease long-term in designated zones.
Verdict: If you prefer homeownership and large living spaces, Dallas is the better option. For affordable rentals and city living, Sharjah is more attractive.
3. Climate & Weather
Dallas
Hot summers (up to 40°C) but cold winters (can drop to near freezing).
Seasonal changes with rain and occasional snow in winter.
Tornado risk in spring and summer.
Sharjah
Extremely hot summers (45+°C) and mild winters (15-25°C).
Minimal rain, with sandstorms and humidity common.
Winters are more pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.
Verdict: If you prefer mild winters and dry heat, Sharjah is ideal. Dallas offers more seasonal variety, but summers are still hot.
4. Transportation & Infrastructure
Dallas
Car-dependent city with extensive highways.
Public transport is limited compared to Sharjah, with DART trains and buses serving some areas.
Traffic congestion in peak hours.
Sharjah
Better public transport options, including buses and taxis.
Many residents commute to Dubai, leading to heavy traffic.
Roads and infrastructure are well-maintained, but parking can be challenging in crowded areas.
Verdict: If you rely on public transport, Sharjah is better. If you own a car and need space, Dallas offers easier driving and larger road networks.
5. Economy & Job Market
Dallas
A diverse economy with major industries in technology, finance, healthcare, and real estate.
Strong job market with higher salaries, but also a higher cost of living.
Ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners due to favorable tax policies.
Sharjah
Economy driven by manufacturing, education, tourism, and trade.
Salaries are lower on average than in Dallas, but tax-free income helps offset costs.
Limited job opportunities compared to Dubai or Dallas.
Verdict: Dallas offers more high-paying job opportunities, while Sharjah is better for tax-free savings and lower expenses.
6. Culture & Lifestyle
Dallas
Fast-paced, business-friendly city with a strong Southern hospitality culture.
Diverse communities, with international cuisine, arts, and sports.
More relaxed social norms regarding clothing, alcohol, and entertainment.
Sharjah
More conservative lifestyle with laws based on Islamic traditions.
No alcohol sales within the emirate.
Family-friendly environment with cultural festivals, museums, and traditional markets.
Verdict: If you prefer a modern, Western lifestyle with nightlife and entertainment, Dallas is the better choice. If you want a family-oriented, conservative atmosphere, Sharjah is ideal.
7. Education & Schools
Dallas
Many top-rated public and private schools with strong academic programs.
Home to prestigious universities like SMU, UT Dallas, and Texas A&M Commerce.
Sharjah
Offers British, American, and IB curriculum schools, but private education can be costly.
Home to University City, with top universities like American University of Sharjah.
Verdict: Both cities offer excellent education options, but Dallas has stronger public schooling, while Sharjah is better for international schooling choices.
8. Safety & Quality of Life
Dallas
Generally safe, but some areas have higher crime rates.
Police presence is strong, and most suburbs are extremely safe.
Sharjah
One of the safest cities with low crime rates due to strict laws.
Family-friendly and ideal for expatriates seeking security.
Verdict: Sharjah is safer overall, while Dallas has more varied safety levels depending on location.
Final Verdict: Which City is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if you want homeownership, career opportunities, a diverse social life, and a Western lifestyle.
Choose Sharjah if you prefer affordable living, tax-free income, strong public transport, and a family-oriented, conservative culture.
Both cities offer unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Dallas real estate!
About us: Dallas New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in Dallas, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 100 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in Dallas and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.
As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.
Whether you are a first time buyer in Dallas looking to buy a home in Dallas or whether you are relocating to Dallas from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Dallas. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
What is most important to you in your new construction home in Dallas? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Dallas community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
