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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Arlington is 46% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,389/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 68%
$73,519/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 49%
$276,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 120%
$1,420/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 68%
394,769
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $941/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $11,292/year.

Median household income is $36,261/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Arlington or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Murrieta?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $941/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Murrieta?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $36,261/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Murrieta details →

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