Rent vs. Buy Calculator: Is It Better to Buy in Arlington, TX?
Pre-filled with Arlington, TX's median home price ($350,000), local property tax rate (2.2%), and an estimated equivalent rent — adjust any number to match your specific situation.
Median home price
$350,000
Property tax rate
2.2%
Est. equivalent rent
$1,900/mo
Price-to-rent ratio
15×
Your situation
Buying wins over 10 years
Saves you $78,479 vs the alternative · breaks even in year 5
💡 What if the down payment was invested instead?
Adds a purple line: rent + $70,000 growing at 8%/yr
Net cost of buying
$182,897
Total cost renting
$261,376
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Assumes 30-year fixed mortgage, 3% closing costs, 1% annual maintenance, 7% selling costs. For educational purposes only — consult a financial advisor.
Compare another market:
Texas taxes and what they mean for your decision
Texas has no state income tax, but Arlington shares the Dallas-Fort Worth metro's high property tax environment, with Tarrant County rates typically above 2.2% — one of the higher ongoing carrying costs in this list.
The Arlington, TX rental market
Arlington sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, with its rental market influenced by the entertainment sector (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags) and the University of Texas at Arlington, keeping demand steady across multiple tenant segments.
What makes Arlington different
Arlington offers lower home prices than central Dallas and Fort Worth while sharing the same high property tax rate — at 2.2% on $350K, the annual tax bill runs roughly $7,700. Factor the Texas property tax burden carefully into your break-even calculation.
Arlington, TX's price-to-rent ratio: 15×
Dividing the median home price by annual rent for an equivalent home gives the price-to-rent ratio — a quick screening tool used by economists and real estate analysts. A ratio below 15 generally favours buying, 15–20 is a genuine toss-up, and above 20 generally favours renting, all else being equal. Arlington, TX currently sits at approximately 15×, putting it squarely in toss-up territory where your specific time horizon and risk tolerance matter more than the market average.
| Metric | Arlington, TX |
|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 |
| Estimated equivalent monthly rent | $1,900 |
| Property tax rate | 2.2% annually |
| State income tax | None |
| Price-to-rent ratio | 15× |
These are metro-level estimates for illustration. Use the calculator above with your specific neighborhood, property, and rental comparison for an accurate result.
Compare other major metros
📍 New York, NY
$780,000 median · 1.7% property tax
📍 Los Angeles, CA
$950,000 median · 0.7% property tax
📍 Chicago, IL
$350,000 median · 2.2% property tax
📍 Houston, TX
$320,000 median · 2.3% property tax · no income tax
📍 Austin, TX
$820,000 median · 2.1% property tax · no income tax
📍 Seattle, WA
$850,000 median · 1% property tax · no income tax
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Arlington, TX rent vs buy — frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent or buy in Arlington, TX?
It depends heavily on your time horizon and the specific numbers. Arlington, TX's current price-to-rent ratio of approximately 15× suggests the decision is genuinely close and depends on your specific situation. Use the calculator above with your specific home price, down payment, and time horizon for a precise answer.
What is the median home price in Arlington, TX?
The median home price in Arlington, TX is approximately $350,000, though prices vary significantly by neighborhood and property type. This calculator uses the metro median as a starting point — adjust it to match the specific property you are considering.
What are property taxes like in Arlington, TX?
Arlington, TX has an effective property tax rate of approximately 2.2% of assessed home value annually. This is above the US national average of roughly 1.1%, meaningfully increasing the ongoing cost of ownership.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas is one of nine US states with no state income tax, which increases take-home pay for both renters and buyers compared to high-tax states.
How long do I need to stay in Arlington for buying to make sense?
Based on Arlington, TX's current price-to-rent ratio of 15×, the typical break-even point — accounting for closing costs, selling costs, and the opportunity cost of the down payment — generally falls in the 5-to-7-year range for this market. Run the calculator above with your specific numbers and time horizon for an exact figure.