Median rent is 6% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $1,563/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $427,900. Households earn more in Arlington ($75,171 vs $73,877 a year). Taken together, Las Vegas is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 102.5 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Las Vegas, NV.
Cost of living verdict
Las Vegas is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.3 in Las Vegas vs 102.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Las Vegas, NV
How much would you need to earn in Las Vegas, NV to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Las Vegas, NV
$71,924
You could earn $3,076 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Las Vegas
Nevada
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Arlington at $1,470/mo compared to $1,563/mo in Las Vegas (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Las Vegas: the median home is $427,900 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Las Vegas
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Las Vegas has cleaner air on average: 36.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.3 vs 102.5).
Pick Las Vegas if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 36.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Las Vegas.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Las Vegas?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,563/mo in Las Vegas, NV. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Las Vegas?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $73,877 in Las Vegas, NV. Arlington, 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?
Las Vegas, NV has better air quality on average: 36.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Las Vegas?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Las Vegas to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,898 in Las Vegas, NV (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
