Median rent is 16% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $1,747/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $394,100. Households earn more in Arlington ($75,171 vs $72,336 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 101.6 against 102.5 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, TX.
Cost of living verdict
Orlando is 1% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 101.6 in Orlando vs 102.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Orlando, FL
How much would you need to earn in Orlando, FL to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Orlando, FL
$74,341
You could earn $659 less (1% 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
Orlando
Florida
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 $1,747/mo in Orlando (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Orlando: the median home is $394,100 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 23% 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
Orlando
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Arlington averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate) and Orlando averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,470/mo median).
Is Arlington cheaper than Orlando?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 101.6 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Orlando?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,747/mo in Orlando, FL. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Orlando?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $72,336 in Orlando, FL. 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?
Orlando, FL has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Orlando?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Orlando to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,122 in Orlando, FL (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
