Median rent is 41% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $75,171 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 117.6 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Arlington is 13% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.5 in Arlington vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$86,021
You'd need $11,021 more (15% higher).
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
San Francisco
California
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Arlington — median rent of $1,470/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 78% 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
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Arlington (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.5 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,470/mo median).
Is Arlington cheaper than San Francisco?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or San Francisco?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $114,695 in San Francisco, CA (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
