Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Corpus Christi is 9% more affordable than Arlington. A $75,000 salary in Arlington is equivalent to $67,969 in Corpus Christi.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Arlington has a housing index of 86 while Corpus Christi sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Arlington costs $260,000 compared to $195,000 in Corpus Christi, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Arlington versus $1,100 in Corpus Christi.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Arlington scores 96 while Corpus Christi scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Arlington (100) are higher than Corpus Christi (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Arlington is $60,138 compared to $53,238 in Corpus Christi. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Corpus Christi.
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