Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Arlington is 25% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,389/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 15%
$73,519/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 14%
$276,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 64%
$1,420/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 23%
394,769
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $10,338/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Arlington or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tacoma?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tacoma?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $10,338/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Tacoma

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville