Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Arlington is 64% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,389/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 30%
$73,519/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 29%
$276,400 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 57%
$1,420/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 31%
394,769
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $21,349/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Lansing — common questions

Is Arlington or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lansing?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lansing?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $21,349/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Lansing details →

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