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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Arlington is 103% more expensive than Denton.

$2,275/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 41%
$140,160/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 47%
$864,800 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 62%
$2,414/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 39%
235,463
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $931/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $11,172/year.

Median household income is $66,441/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Denton — common questions

Is Arlington or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Denton?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $931/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Denton?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $66,441/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Denton

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