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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Arlington is 68% more expensive than Pearland.

$2,275/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 23%
$140,160/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↓ 20%
$864,800 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 62%
$2,414/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↓ 19%
235,463
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $27,690/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Pearland — common questions

Is Arlington or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Pearland?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Pearland?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $27,690/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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Pearland details →

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