Moving to Arlington TX in 2026: Cost of Living, Housing, and What to Know
Arlington sits squarely between Dallas and Fort Worth, home to about 395,000 residents and some of the biggest entertainment venues in Texas. This is where AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), and Six Flags Over Texas draw millions of visitors annually. But beyond the attractions, Arlington offers affordable housing, no state income tax, and central access to the entire DFW metroplex. Here is what you need to know about relocating to Arlington in 2026.
Cost of Living Overview
Arlington is slightly below the national average for overall cost of living, and Texas’s lack of state income tax sweetens the deal. Housing is the biggest savings category.
| Category | Arlington | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living Index | 93 | 100 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,150/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $310,000 | $420,000 |
| Groceries | 3% below average | Baseline |
| Utilities | $160/mo | $150/mo |
| Transportation | Car required | Varies |
Texas property taxes average about 1.8%, which is higher than many states but compensated by zero state income tax. Summer electricity bills can spike due to AC usage. Use our estimate your monthly payment to estimate total monthly housing costs.
Housing Market
Arlington’s housing market is accessible for first-time buyers and families. The median home price of $310,000 buys a three-bedroom house with a yard in most neighborhoods. The market is balanced, with adequate inventory and reasonable negotiation room.
Rentals range from $1,150 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1,800 to $2,200 for a three-bedroom house. The entertainment district area has newer luxury apartments at premium prices.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
Viridian in north Arlington is a master-planned community with parks, trails, and newer homes. Dalworthington Gardens offers a small-town feel with larger lots. West Arlington near Mansfield has newer subdivisions and family-oriented amenities. Pantego (an enclave city) provides older, affordable homes near UTA. South Arlington near I-20 is the most budget-friendly but improving steadily.
Read our guide for new buyers for strategies tailored to markets like Arlington.
Job Market
Arlington benefits from its central DFW location, giving residents access to one of the strongest job markets in the country. Local employers span manufacturing, healthcare, education, and hospitality.
| Metric | Arlington |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% |
| Top Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing, Entertainment, Defense |
| Major Employers | UT Arlington, Texas Health Resources, GM Assembly Plant, Arlington ISD, Six Flags |
General Motors operates a major SUV assembly plant here. UT Arlington enrolls over 40,000 students and drives research activity. The entertainment district employs thousands in hospitality and event management. Most residents commute to jobs across the broader DFW metro, which offers millions of positions within a 30-minute drive.
The gig economy and freelance work have found a home in Arlington. The entertainment district creates surge demand for ride-share drivers, event staff, and hospitality workers during games and concerts. Food delivery services operate at high volume across the city. For professionals, UT Arlington’s research park and the city’s central location within the DFW metroplex provide access to one of the most diversified job markets in the country, spanning defense, aviation, tech, healthcare, energy, and financial services.
Remote workers will find Arlington’s cost of living particularly attractive. A home that costs $310,000 here would run $500,000+ in comparable suburbs of Austin or Denver. Coworking spaces like Novel Coworking and WeWork have locations within the broader DFW metro, and many Arlington residents work from home for Dallas or Fort Worth-based employers. Fiber internet is available in many neighborhoods, particularly in newer developments.
Check what local salaries buy with our home affordability calculator.
Schools and Education
Arlington Independent School District serves about 57,000 students across the city. The district offers magnet programs, early college high schools, and career academies. Performance is mixed, with strong programs at schools like Martin High School and Arlington Collegiate High School.
Mansfield ISD, which covers south Arlington, consistently ranks among the top districts in the DFW area. Families targeting the best schools should look at Mansfield ISD boundaries.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a major research university with growing enrollment and expanding STEM programs. Tarrant County College provides affordable community college education.
Transportation
Arlington is the largest city in the US without a public transit system. There is no bus service, no rail, and no fixed-route transit. VIA, a rideshare-style on-demand service, operates in limited zones. A car is absolutely required.
The upside is that Arlington sits at the intersection of I-20, I-30, Highway 360, and Highway 287, providing fast freeway access to the entire DFW metro. Average commute times are about 27 minutes. Dallas is 20 miles east, Fort Worth is 15 miles west.
DFW International Airport is 20 minutes north, and Dallas Love Field is about 30 minutes northeast.
Weather and Climate
North Texas weather is characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and dramatic spring storms. The climate is generally pleasant from October through May.
| Season | Temperature Range | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 50–82°F | Thunderstorms, occasional hail, tornado risk |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–100°F | Hot, humid, extended heat waves |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 48–85°F | Cooling, dry, pleasant |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 32–58°F | Mild, occasional ice storms |
Arlington sits in Tornado Alley. Severe thunderstorms with large hail and tornadoes are possible from March through June. Winter ice storms, while infrequent, can shut down roads and knock out power for days when they occur.
Things to Do
The entertainment district is Arlington’s signature draw. AT&T Stadium hosts Cowboys games, concerts, and major events. Globe Life Field, with its retractable roof, makes summer Rangers games comfortable. Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor provide seasonal thrills.
Beyond the big venues, Arlington has 90+ parks covering over 6,000 acres. River Legacy Parks offers 1,300 acres of trails along the Trinity River. Lake Arlington provides fishing and kayaking. The Theatre Arlington and Arlington Museum of Art add cultural programming.
Dining skews toward BBQ, Tex-Mex, and chain restaurants, though the UTA area has diversified the food scene with Vietnamese, Korean, and Indian options. The Division Street corridor is emerging as a dining destination.
The arts scene is growing beyond the big venues. The Arlington Museum of Art hosts touring exhibitions, and Theatre Arlington stages community productions year-round. The Levitt Pavilion at the planned downtown development will add a free concert series. Youth sports are particularly strong, with Arlington hosting national softball and soccer tournaments at the city’s well-maintained sports complexes.
Grocery shopping options are extensive, with H-E-B, Kroger, Tom Thumb, and international markets serving the diverse population. The Asian food scene along Pioneer Parkway has expanded significantly, with Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and Indian restaurants serving authentic dishes at affordable prices. The annual Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington brings German holiday traditions to North Texas each December.
See our Texas state guide for more on the region.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Arlington
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable housing with no state income tax | No public transit whatsoever |
| Central DFW location | Hot, humid summers |
| Major entertainment venues | Tornado and severe storm risk |
| Access to massive DFW job market | Can feel suburban and car-dependent |
| Large parks and outdoor spaces | Event-day traffic congestion |
| UT Arlington driving growth | Some areas aging and need investment |
FAQ
Why does Arlington have no public transit?
Voters have repeatedly rejected joining the regional DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system to avoid the associated sales tax. The VIA on-demand rideshare service is the current alternative, but it is limited in scope. For now, owning or leasing a car is the only practical option.
Is Arlington a good place for families?
Yes, particularly in the north and west sides. Affordable homes, large parks, family entertainment (Six Flags, Rangers games), and access to Mansfield ISD schools make it attractive for families. Read our home buying resources for family purchasing tips.
How does Arlington compare to Fort Worth or Dallas?
Arlington is more affordable than both but lacks the urban character, nightlife, and transit options of Dallas or the cultural charm of the Fort Worth Stockyards area. It works best for people who prioritize space, affordability, and proximity to the full DFW metro over walkability and urban living.
What is the entertainment district like on non-event days?
Quiet. The area around the stadiums is designed for event traffic and lacks the street-level activity of a traditional downtown. Texas Live!, the mixed-use complex between the stadiums, stays active with restaurants and bars, but the surrounding area is largely parking lots and infrastructure.
Are ice storms a real concern?
They are infrequent but can be severe. The February 2021 winter storm was an extreme example, but even routine ice events can ground the city for a day or two. Most homes have electric heat, which is vulnerable during power outages. Consider a backup power source and emergency supplies. Check home services directory for generator installation options.
Is Arlington growing?
Population growth has slowed compared to suburbs like Frisco and McKinney, but Arlington continues to attract residents with its central location and affordability. Investment in the UTA area, downtown revitalization, and the entertainment district suggests the city is positioning for long-term growth rather than rapid expansion.
Schools and Education in Arlington TX
Arlington TX has a mix of public and private school options. The main public school district serves most of the city, with ratings that vary by neighborhood. Families moving with school-age children should check specific school ratings on GreatSchools.org before choosing a neighborhood. Several charter and magnet school options exist for specialized education.
Higher education options include community colleges and state university campuses within commuting distance. For families, the proximity of good schools directly affects home values — neighborhoods zoned for top-rated schools typically command a 5-15% price premium. Check our buyer guide for tips on evaluating school districts during your search.
Healthcare in Arlington TX
Arlington TX has multiple hospital systems and urgent care facilities. The major medical centers provide detailed care including emergency services, specialty clinics, and outpatient surgery centers. Health insurance premiums in Texas run roughly in line with the national average, though costs vary by plan and employer.
If you’re moving from out of state, verify that your current healthcare providers are in-network for Texas plans, or plan to switch providers after your move. The city also has a growing number of walk-in clinics and telehealth options for routine care.
Safety and Neighborhoods to Know
Like any city, Arlington TX has safer areas and neighborhoods that need more caution. Overall crime rates vary significantly by ZIP code. The neighborhoods highlighted in our first-time buyer guide tend to be among the safer options. Local police departments publish crime maps online — check these before signing a lease or making an offer.
Gated communities and newer subdivisions generally have lower property crime rates. Downtown and entertainment districts may see higher incidents but are typically safe during daytime hours. Talk to residents in any neighborhood you’re considering — they’ll give you the most honest assessment of day-to-day safety.
Getting Settled: First 30 Days
After your move, prioritize these tasks in your first month: update your driver’s license and vehicle registration (most states require this within 30-90 days), register to vote, set up utilities and internet, find a primary care doctor, and explore your neighborhood on foot. Join local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for community recommendations on everything from restaurants to plumbers.
Use our find home professionals to find vetted contractors for any move-in repairs, and run the numbers on your new mortgage payment with the estimate your monthly payment. If you’re still renting while you look to buy, our see how much you can buy will help you set a realistic budget based on Arlington TX prices.