Median rent is 16% lower in Arlington ($1,389/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $276,400 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $73,519 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 103.4 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 103.4 in Arlington (US average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$71,662
You could earn $3,338 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Austin
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Arlington at $1,389/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $276,400 in Arlington — 46% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 44.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 103.4).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,389/mo median).
Is Arlington cheaper than Austin?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 103.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,389/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Austin?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington, TX and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, TX has better air quality on average: 44.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Austin?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,550 in Austin, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology