Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Arlington is 53% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,389/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 64%
$73,519/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 91%
$276,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 213%
$1,420/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 70%
394,769
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $66,641/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Arlington — common questions

Is Arlington or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Arlington?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Arlington?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $66,641/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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