Is Arlington, TX cheaper than Mesa, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, TX is 2.1% cheaper than Mesa, AZ. This translates to saving $160 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Mesa, AZ, you'd need approximately $148,081.395 in Arlington, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Arlington, TX is 14.3% cheaper than in Mesa, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,795/month in Arlington, TX compared to $1,785/month in Mesa, AZ.

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

Moving from Mesa, AZ to Arlington, TX could save you approximately $160 per month, or $1919 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Mesa, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $160/month moving to Arlington, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Arlington, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$160

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Mesa, AZ

Population:504K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$395K

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$292K

Mesa, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

504K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 504K residents.

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mesa, AZ vs Arlington, TX

Category	Mesa, AZ	Arlington, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $398less	14.3%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $191less	12.8%
Other	$1,677/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $97.09more	5.8%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
Groceries	$963/mo	$979/mo	↑ $15.99more	1.7%
All Utilities	$561/mo	$563/mo	↑ $1.64more	0.3%

Housing

↓ 14.3%

Mesa, AZ

$2,788

Arlington, TX

$2,391

Difference

$398

less

Transportation

↓ 12.8%

Mesa, AZ

$1,489

Arlington, TX

$1,298

Difference

$191

less

Other

↑ 5.8%

Mesa, AZ

$1,677

Arlington, TX

$1,774

Difference

$97.09

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Mesa, AZ

$589

Arlington, TX

$632

Difference

$43.37

Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Mesa, AZ

$963

Arlington, TX

$979

Difference

$15.99

All Utilities

↑ 0.3%

Mesa, AZ

$561

Arlington, TX

$563

Difference

$1.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,415

To$1,485

↑ $70.00

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,535

→ $0

2 Bed

From$1,785

To$1,795

↑ $10.00

3 Bed

From$2,380

To$2,370

↓ $10.00

Mesa, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$2,030/mo

Arlington, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,920/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Mesa, AZ

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$431

Difference

Home Values

Mesa

Arlington

$395K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +29.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.8%

$353K - $554K

Price Range

$226K - $376K

Homes in Arlington are 26% less expensive than Mesa

Calculate payment - Mesa Calculate payment - Arlington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Mesa, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Mesa, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Arlington, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.