Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Miami is 36% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,657/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 16%
$59,390/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 24%
$475,200 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 42%
$1,666/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 15%
446,663
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $14,129/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Arlington — common questions

Is Miami or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Arlington?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Arlington?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $14,129/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Arlington details →

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