City comparison
No. Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 158 in Los Angeles, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 202, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Arlington is cheaper. Median rent is $1,470 a month versus $1,933 in Los Angeles.
The cost gap between Los Angeles and Arlington is the real story here. Arlington comes in 24% cheaper on typical rent ($1,933 vs $1,470), which over a year adds up to $5,556. Median household income runs $81,939 in Los Angeles and $75,171 in Arlington.
This is a genuine split. Los Angeles wins on the job market and Arlington wins on cost of living and safety. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Arlington at $1,470 average has pockets that run $1,270 and others at $1,870: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Los Angeles and Arlington are 1,220 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,933 a month in Los Angeles to $1,470 a month in Arlington, down $463 a month (24%).
Median household income goes from $81,939 in Los Angeles to $75,171 in Arlington, down $6,768 (8%).
The crime index goes from 158 in Los Angeles to 132 in Arlington, down 26 points (16%).
The move
Arlington and Los Angeles are 1,220 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,470 a month in Arlington to $1,933 a month in Los Angeles, up $463 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $75,171 in Arlington to $81,939 in Los Angeles, up $6,768 (9%).
The crime index goes from 132 in Arlington to 158 in Los Angeles, up 26 points (20%).
Los Angeles, CA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Arlington, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Los Angeles and Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
24% cheaper
Arlington rent is 24% cheaper than Los Angeles
Los Angeles
$1,933/mo
Arlington
Winner$1,470/mo
Typical rent runs $1,470 a month in Arlington versus $1,933 in Los Angeles, so Arlington is 24% cheaper. That's roughly $463/month back in your pocket ($5,556/year). Over five years that's $27,780 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Los Angeles, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Arlington is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
9% higher
Los Angeles's median income is 9% higher than Arlington
Los Angeles
Winner$81,939
Arlington
$75,171
Median household income is $81,939 in Los Angeles versus $75,171 in Arlington, so typical pay runs 9% higher in Los Angeles (about $6,768 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
16% lower crime
Arlington's crime index is 16% lower than Los Angeles
Los Angeles
158 (100 = avg)
Arlington
Winner132 (100 = avg)
Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 158 in Los Angeles (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 16% lower in Arlington. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Arlington is the easier city. Los Angeles can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Los Angeles and Arlington are about even on typical weather.
Los Angeles
77°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Arlington
67°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 100/100
Los Angeles averages about 77°F (83°F highs); Arlington averages about 67°F (74°F highs). Los Angeles sits near 77°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Arlington sits near 67°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Los Angeles is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 9% higher here ($81,939). Start with Los Angeles if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Arlington is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 24% cheaper here at about $1,470 a month. Choose Arlington if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Arlington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 16% lower than Los Angeles (132 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Los Angeles runs $1,933/month while Arlington sits at $1,470 — roughly 24% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Los Angeles-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Arlington rent at $1,470/month is still below Los Angeles's $1,933, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $81,939 in Los Angeles versus $75,171 in Arlington.
Between Los Angeles and Arlington, Arlington is ahead on housing cost — $1,470/month rent against $1,933. Lean Los Angeles instead when your $81,939 income offer in Los Angeles outweighs saving $463/month in Arlington.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
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