Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Arlington, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.2% more expensive than Arlington, TX. This translates to spending an extra $163 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Arlington, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, TX, you'd need approximately $151,960.396 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington, TX and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 16.6% more expensive than in Arlington, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,795/month in Arlington, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington, TX to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $163 more per month than Arlington, TX, or $1960 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, TX vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Arlington, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $163/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$163

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$414K

Arlington, TX

The Lone Star State

394K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 394K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, TX vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Arlington, TX	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $398more	16.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $191more	14.7%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $97.09less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$963/mo	↓ $15.99less	1.6%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$561/mo	↓ $1.64less	0.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.6%

Arlington, TX

$2,391

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$398

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.7%

Arlington, TX

$1,298

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$191

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Arlington, TX

$1,774

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Arlington, TX

$632

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Arlington, TX

$979

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$15.99

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.3%

Arlington, TX

$563

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$1.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,485

To$1,390

↓ $95.00

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,510

↓ $25.00

2 Bed

From$1,795

To$1,750

↓ $45.00

3 Bed

From$2,370

To$2,330

↓ $40.00

Arlington, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,920/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$431

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Phoenix

$292K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +27.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$226K - $376K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 42% more expensive than Arlington

Calculate payment - Arlington Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Arlington, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.