Moving from Dallas, TX to Arlington, TX
Relocating from Dallas, TX to Arlington, TX? The drive is 26 mi — about 35 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
26 mi · 35 min by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, SPUR 303, TX 360 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Arlington | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 103.09 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $309,421 vs $310,971.
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Arlington -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 36.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Dallas (68.0°F) and Arlington (66.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, ARLINGTON MUNI AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 394,769 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $73,519 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 21.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.81 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% higher in Arlington than Dallas.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arlington MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Arlington average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How far is Arlington, TX from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 26 mi and the route typically takes 35 min via I 30 and SPUR 303. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Arlington?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 26 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Arlington?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,519 in Arlington vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 8.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Arlington compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $310,971 in Arlington vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 0.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Arlington compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Arlington MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Arlington, TX.