Arcola, TX vs Hardin, TX

Arcola, TX and Hardin, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.6% difference in their overall index. Arcola scores 84 while Hardin scores 88 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arcola is $1,117/month compared to $1,397/month in Hardin — a 20% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Arcola has cheaper rent, Hardin actually has lower median home values ($128,800 vs $182,700).

Median household income in Arcola is $73,778 compared to $54,625 in Hardin (+35.1%). Arcola offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcola spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 30.7% in Hardin. The Arcola ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.