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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Arlington is 145% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,275/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 42%
$140,160/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 48%
$864,800 ↑ 316%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 76%
$2,414/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 48%
235,463
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $67,130/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Odessa — common questions

Is Arlington or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Odessa?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Odessa?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $67,130/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Odessa

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham