Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Dallas and Arlington have a similar cost of living.

$1,403/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ≈ Same
$67,760/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 8%
$295,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 6%
$1,409/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ≈ Same
1,299,553
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,759/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Arlington — common questions

Is Dallas or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Arlington?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Arlington?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $5,759/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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