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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Houston is 7% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,313/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 6%
$62,894/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 17%
$253,400 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 9%
$1,316/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 8%
2,300,419
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $10,625/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Arlington — common questions

Is Houston or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Arlington?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Arlington?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $10,625/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 Houston or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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