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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Arlington is 157% more expensive than Tyler.

$2,275/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 47%
$140,160/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 53%
$864,800 ↑ 300%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 75%
$2,414/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 52%
235,463
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,076/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $12,912/year.

Median household income is $74,633/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Tyler — common questions

Is Arlington or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tyler?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $1,076/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tyler?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $74,633/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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Tyler details →

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