Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Durham, NC (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Arlington is 10% cheaper than Durham.

$1,389/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 2%
$73,519/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 8%
$276,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 29%
$1,420/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
394,769
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,715/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Durham — common questions

Is Arlington or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Durham?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Durham?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $5,715/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Durham details →

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