Arlington vs Denton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Arlington
Denton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 51.9%, with Denton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Arlington has equivalent purchasing power to $49,390 in Denton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Arlington has the same purchasing power as $49,390 in Denton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Denton equals $113,889 in Arlington.
Living in Arlington vs Denton
Housing Costs
Arlington's housing index of 249 is higher Denton's 126, translating to median home prices of $740,000 vs $385,000. The $355,000 difference in home prices means roughly $23,076 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,350/mo in Arlington compared to $1,425/mo in Denton, a monthly difference of $925.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Arlington and 98 in Denton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Arlington vs $466/month in Denton. Denton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Arlington and 90 in Denton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Arlington vs $360 in Denton. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 117 in Arlington and 81 in Denton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 36-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $145,000 in Arlington and $73,700 in Denton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $88,415 and $68,241 respectively. Arlington residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $3,383/month to housing in Arlington vs $1,720/month in Denton. In Arlington, median rent of $2,350/mo fits within this budget. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 123 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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