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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Dallas is 52% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,403/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 62%
$67,760/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 107%
$295,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 193%
$1,409/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 71%
1,299,553
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $72,400/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Arlington — common questions

Is Dallas or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Arlington?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $72,400/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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