Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Arlington is 29% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,389/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 3%
$73,519/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 7%
$276,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 122%
$1,420/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 3%
394,769
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,141/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Arlington or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $5,141/year higher in Arlington.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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