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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Orange

California
206

Arlington is 54% cheaper than Orange.

$1,389/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 62%
$73,519/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 59%
$276,400 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 226%
$1,420/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 69%
394,769
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $43,426/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Orange — common questions

Is Arlington or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Orange?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Orange?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $43,426/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Orange

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City