Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Arlington is 48% more expensive than Allen.

$2,275/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 17%
$140,160/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↓ 8%
$864,800 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 50%
$2,414/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 14%
235,463
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $11,030/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Allen — common questions

Is Arlington or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Allen?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Allen?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $11,030/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Allen details →

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