Question 1

Is Arlington or Austin cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Austin, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $772/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $1,095/mo in Austin.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Austin?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $60,000/year in Austin, TX — a difference of about $15,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Austin cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Austin, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,055/month in Arlington and $8,996/month in Austin, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Austin?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Austin costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington71	Austin75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$3,505
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$8,996
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$60,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$1,095
Median home value	$276,400	$512,700
Median household income	$73,519	$91,461
Unemployment	4.7%	3.9%
Housing score	57	58
Jobs score	51	76
Safety score	65	58
Climate score	94	92
Amenities score	73	64
Population	394.8K	967.9K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	96° / 42°

Arlington, TX vs Austin, TX