B-
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
53%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Arlington Tennessee National
Cost of living11492100
Groceries10098100
Health care9897100
Housing15380100
Transportation9697100
Utilities9598100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9797100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9497100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Arlington, TN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Arlington is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Arlington is 114, which is 14% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Arlington, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 52.9% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Arlington Affordable?

Is Arlington an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Arlington is 45.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 70.8% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Arlington has a median household income of $149,746, which is 84.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Arlington?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Arlington, the transportation index is 4.2% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Arlington, the housing index comes in at 52.9% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Arlington, the groceries index is 0.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Arlington cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Arlington is 23% higher than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Arlington is 14% higher than the national average
  • Arlington housing is 53% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Arlington

See all the best places to live around Arlington

Compare Arlington, TN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$158,884$13,240$3,707$4,767
      Renters$81,259$6,772$1,896$2,438
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Arlington, TN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Arlington have a median income of $158,884. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,707 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $81,259, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,896.

      Tennessee Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Tennessee 7% 9.75%

      Tennessee Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Tennessee 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stanton, TN5648317.1%
      Mason, TN1,1468712.7%
      Millington, TN11,024909.6%
      Brighton, TN3,015946.4%
      Gallaway, TN738945.7%
      Arlington, TN12,02711413.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Madison, IN12,030918.9%
      Four Corners, TX12,0321077.2%
      Evanston, WY12,021973.2%
      Rawdon, QC12,021n/a 
      Adjala-Tosorontio, ON12,021n/a 
      Arlington, TN12,02711413.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.