Looking at the numbers, Arlington is relatively balanced within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

As of the first half of 2026, the median rent for 2-3 bedroom units in Arlington is $1,550 per month, while the median home sale price is around $335,000.

The Price-to-Rent Ratio is calculated by dividing $335,000 by the annual rent of $18,600, resulting in approximately 18.0. This figure falls within the neutral zone of 16-20. Data suggests that Arlington does not strongly favor either buying or renting, making it a market where decisions can vary based on personal circumstances.

When calculating the actual monthly burden, with a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed rate of 6.75%, the principal and interest amount to $1,738 per month, and the total repayment amount, including property taxes and insurance, is about $2,193. Compared to the rent of $1,550, this results in a monthly difference of $643.

Calculating the opportunity cost of a $67,000 down payment, assuming a return of 6-7% per year, yields an annual income of $4,000-$4,700, or about $335-$390 per month. Subtracting this from the additional burden when buying narrows the actual difference to around $250-$310, which suggests that considering the principal repayment effect and Texas's lack of state income tax, purchasing could be a viable option.

However, property tax rates in Texas can vary significantly by area, and within Arlington, effective tax rates can rise to between 2.2% and 2.8% depending on the school district. This means that the total monthly repayment could be higher than the previously calculated figures.

In comparison to nearby cities, Dallas and Fort Worth have slightly higher sale prices than Arlington, while smaller nearby cities like Grand Prairie and Mesquite tend to show similar or slightly lower rates. Austin has much higher sale prices, placing its Price-to-Rent Ratio in the rental advantage zone above 23.

For Korean households, it is advisable to check the differences in property tax rates by school district within Arlington before setting a budget. If you plan to stay for more than 3-5 years and have sufficient down payment capacity, it may be worth actively considering purchasing, especially since Texas has no state income tax, which can positively impact long-term financial planning.

However, it is essential to consider that the burden of property taxes is relatively high. This figure is based on the first half of 2026, so please verify the latest tax rates and interest rates before making any decisions.