Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Arlington is 60% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,389/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 97%
$73,519/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 72%
$276,400 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 276%
$1,420/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 85%
394,769
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,353/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $16,236/year.

Median household income is $52,950/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Arlington or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cambridge?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,353/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cambridge?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $52,950/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Cambridge details →

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