Question 1

Is Arlington or Seattle cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $514/month less than in Seattle, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $2,501/mo in Seattle.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $86,000/year in Seattle, WA — a difference of about $10,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Seattle 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 $12,749/month in Seattle, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Seattle?

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	Seattle59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$4,791
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$12,749
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$86,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$2,501
Median home value	$276,400	$912,100
Median household income	$73,519	$121,984
Unemployment	4.7%	4.7%
Housing score	57	34
Jobs score	51	35
Safety score	65	40
Climate score	94	92
Amenities score	73	90
Population	394.8K	741.4K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	76° / 37°

Arlington, TX vs Seattle, WA