Median rent is 22% lower in Arlington ($1,389/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $276,400 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $73,519 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 113.0 — about 8% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Arlington is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.4 in Arlington vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$81,944
You'd need $6,944 more (9% higher).
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
New York
New York
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Arlington — median rent of $1,389/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $276,400 in Arlington — 63% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Arlington a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 44.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.4 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,389/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 44.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than New York?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs New York?
Median rent is $1,389/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or New York?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington, TX and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or New York?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $109,259 in New York, NY (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