Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Atlanta is 28% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,617/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 14%
$81,938/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 10%
$420,600 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 34%
$1,695/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 16%
499,287
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $8,419/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Arlington — common questions

Is Atlanta or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Arlington?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Arlington?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $8,419/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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