Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Arlington is 16% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,389/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 13%
$73,519/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 3%
$276,400 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 36%
$1,420/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 9%
394,769
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $2,217/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Tampa — common questions

Is Arlington or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tampa?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tampa?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $2,217/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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