Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Denver is 55% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,770/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 22%
$91,681/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 20%
$586,700 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 53%
$1,839/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 23%
713,734
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $18,162/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Arlington — common questions

Is Denver or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Arlington?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Arlington?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $18,162/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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.
View Denver details → View Arlington details →

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