Is Arlington, TX cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Arlington, TX is 14.3% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,795/month in Arlington, TX compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

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

Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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.

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$414K

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$292K

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

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Arlington, TX

Category	Phoenix, 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%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Arlington, TX

$2,391

Difference

$398

less

Transportation

↓ 12.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Arlington, TX

$1,298

Difference

$191

less

Other

↑ 5.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Arlington, TX

$1,774

Difference

$97.09

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Arlington, TX

$632

Difference

$43.37

Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Arlington, TX

$979

Difference

$15.99

All Utilities

↑ 0.3%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Arlington, TX

$563

Difference

$1.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,485

↑ $95.00

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,535

↑ $25.00

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,795

↑ $45.00

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,370

↑ $40.00

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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 Phoenix, AZ

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$431

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Arlington

$414K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.8%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$226K - $376K

Homes in Arlington are 29% less expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix 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

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

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

Phoenix, 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.