Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Seattle is 106% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,998/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 30%
$121,984/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 40%
$912,100 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 70%
$2,220/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 36%
741,440
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $48,465/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Arlington — common questions

Is Seattle or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Arlington?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Arlington?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $48,465/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Arlington details →

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