Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Boston is 85% more expensive than Arlington.

$2,093/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 34%
$94,755/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 22%
$710,400 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 61%
$2,176/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 35%
663,972
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $704/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $8,448/year.

Median household income is $21,236/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Arlington — common questions

Is Boston or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Arlington?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $704/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Arlington?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $21,236/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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More Comparisons

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