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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Arlington is 105% more expensive than Midland.

$2,275/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 38%
$140,160/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 35%
$864,800 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 65%
$2,414/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 39%
235,463
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $868/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $10,416/year.

Median household income is $48,991/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Midland — common questions

Is Arlington or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Midland?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $868/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Midland?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $48,991/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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Midland details →

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