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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Arlington is 42% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,389/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 28%
$73,519/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 14%
$276,400 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 34%
$1,420/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 25%
394,769
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $10,255/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Laredo — common questions

Is Arlington or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Laredo?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Laredo?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $10,255/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Laredo details →

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