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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Arlington is 107% more expensive than Grand Prairie.

$2,275/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↓ 35%
$140,160/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↓ 44%
$864,800 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$272,200 ↓ 69%
$2,414/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↓ 39%
235,463
Population
198,564

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Grand Prairie, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $61,271/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Arlington or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $61,271/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 Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Grand Prairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Grand Prairie

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Grand Prairie vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Prairie vs. Montgomery Grand Prairie vs. Birmingham Grand Prairie vs. Grand Rapids Grand Prairie vs. Tallahassee Grand Prairie vs. Sioux Falls