Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Arlington is 62% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,389/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 53%
$73,519/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 48%
$276,400 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 389%
$1,420/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 65%
394,769
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $35,039/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Arlington or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Berkeley?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Berkeley?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $35,039/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Berkeley details →

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