Is Arlington expensive to live in?

Arlington is considered affordable, with a cost index of 98 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 2% less than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,462, and the median household income is $73,519.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Arlington?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $58,480/year to afford median rent in Arlington. The median household income is $73,519, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 24%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Arlington?

The median rent in Arlington is $1,462 per month. Housing costs score 94 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 6% cheaper than the US average.

How does Arlington compare to the national average cost of living?

Arlington's overall cost index is 98 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (94), food & groceries (96), transportation (93), utilities (90), and healthcare (100). Arlington is below average in most categories, making it a strong value destination.

Is Arlington, Texas a good place to live?

Arlington has a population of 398,431 and a median household income of $73,519. With a cost index of 98, it offers strong affordability relative to the national average. The rent-to-income ratio is 24%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Arlington?

To find the most affordable cities near Arlington in Texas, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Texas state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Arlington

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 98

Median rent: $1,462

Median income: $73,519

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

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Median Rent

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About Arlington

Living in Arlington, Texas

Arlington, Texas is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 398,431. The overall cost of living index sits at 98, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 2% less expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Arlington. Median rent is $1,462 per month, while the median home price is $307,792. At a median household income of $73,519, rent consumes roughly 24% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 94 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Arlington with a sub-index of 100, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 90. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Texas applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.60% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.19%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Arlington has trended upward. Among the 40 tracked cities in Texas, Arlington ranks #18 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Arlington actually costs.

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