Arlington, TX vs Dallas, TX

Arlington, TX and Dallas, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Arlington scores 101 while Dallas scores 103 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 Arlington is $1,389/month compared to $1,403/month in Dallas — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arlington is more affordable at $276,400 median vs $295,300.

Median household income in Arlington is $73,519 compared to $67,760 in Dallas (+8.5%). Arlington offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Arlington spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Dallas.