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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Arlington is 43% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,389/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 57%
$73,519/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 66%
$276,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 118%
$1,420/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 57%
394,769
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $791/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $9,492/year.

Median household income is $48,710/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Arlington or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $791/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $48,710/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Elk Grove details →

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