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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Irvine

California
256

Arlington is 63% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,389/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 108%
$73,519/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 76%
$276,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 304%
$1,420/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 105%
394,769
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,504/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $18,048/year.

Median household income is $56,128/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Irvine — common questions

Is Arlington or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Irvine?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,504/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Irvine?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $56,128/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Irvine details →

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