Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Arlington is 27% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,389/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 17%
$73,519/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 21%
$276,400 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 29%
$1,420/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 17%
394,769
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $15,180/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Killeen — common questions

Is Arlington or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Killeen?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Killeen?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $15,180/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Killeen

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale