Fort Worth, Plano and Arlington saw an increase in the cost of living last year. Denton and Dallas had a decline, according to a new study from SmartAsset.

DALLAS — When it comes to major cities in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Denton stood out as the most affordable. According to a new study from SmartAsset, Denton’s cost of living fell 0.81% between 2024 and 2025.  The city sits 3.9% below the national average.

Meanwhile, Plano experienced one of the largest increases locally. The study found the cost of living there rose about 1.1% last year, placing it 8.6% above the national average.

In Fort Worth, costs rose 2.3% over the year, though the city remains 4% below the national average, suggesting the area continues to offer relative affordability despite rising prices.

Nearby Arlington saw a larger increase, with the cost of living climbing 4.3%, but it still sits 2.5% below the national average, according to the report.

The city of Dallas was one of the few North Texas locations where costs dipped. The study found the cost of living declined 0.8% between 2024 and 2025, leaving the city 1.5% below the national average.

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Across Texas, the largest shift occurred in Lubbock, where the cost of living rose 5.7% between 2024 and 2025, though it remains 6.7% below the national average.

Harlingen takes the crown as the most affordable city in the Lone Star State coming in 20.2% below the national average.

Nationally, the biggest increase occurred in Great Falls, Montana, where the cost of living jumped nearly 9.8% year-over-year, even though it is still 3.5% less expensive than the U.S. average. Other cities with sharp increases included Springfield, Missouri (8.3%) and Rapid City, South Dakota (7.7%).

The study also identified places where residents saw relief. The cost of living fell the most in Meridian, Mississippi dropping nearly 4%, followed by Orlando, Florida (-3.8%) and Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida (-3.5%). Overall, 41 of the 236 locations analyzed saw decreases in costs.

Some cities remain significantly cheaper than the national average. Tupelo, Mississippi has the largest cost advantage, with prices 21.1% below the U.S. average. Decatur, Illinois was also ranked among the most affordable coming in 20% below the national average.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, New York (Manhattan), New York has the highest costs in the country, carrying a 139% premium compared to the national average. Other expensive areas include San Jose, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; New York (Brooklyn), New York; Orange County, California and San Francisco, California.

SmartAsset took a look at the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation and other common necessities for its rankings.