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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Arlington is 14% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,389/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 5%
$73,519/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$73,030/yr ≈ Same
$276,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 25%
$1,420/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 12%
394,769
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $489/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Odessa — common questions

Is Arlington or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Odessa?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Odessa?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $489/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Odessa details →

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