Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Arlington is 20% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,389/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 9%
$73,519/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 11%
$276,400 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 26%
$1,420/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 17%
394,769
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $8,327/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Arlington or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Dearborn?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Dearborn?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $8,327/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Dearborn details →

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