Question 1

Is Arlington or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,052/month less than in Los Angeles, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $2,903/mo in Los Angeles.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $105,000/year in Los Angeles, CA — a difference of about $29,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Los Angeles cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, 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 $12,135/month in Los Angeles, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Arlington 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	Los Angeles49
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$5,329
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$12,135
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$105,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$2,903
Median home value	$276,400	$879,500
Median household income	$73,519	$80,366
Unemployment	4.7%	5.3%
Housing score	57	1
Jobs score	51	20
Safety score	65	47
Climate score	94	100
Amenities score	73	100
Population	394.8K	3.9M
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	83° / 48°

Arlington, TX vs Los Angeles, CA