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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Plano is 35% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,792/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 27%
$108,649/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 29%
$440,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 96%
$1,829/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 32%
287,339
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $31,511/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Arlington — common questions

Is Plano or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Arlington?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Arlington?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $31,511/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 Plano or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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.
View Plano details → View Arlington details →

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