Arlington, TX Salary Guide: What $100,000 Actually Buys You

You see a six-figure salary offer. Your eyes glaze over at the "Sticker Price." But in Arlington, Texas, the gap between what you earn and what you keep is wider than you think—mostly because the tax man takes a significant cut before you ever see a dime.

This guide breaks down the raw math of a $100,000 salary in Arlington, TX. No fluff, just the net pay, the budget constraints, and how the tax landscape stacks up against the rest of the country.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the verification test on a $100,000 salary. This is the "Sticker Price" vs. the "Bank Account Reality."

The Breakdown:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax: $0
• Local Tax: $0

The Result:
Your Take Home Pay is $78,736.

The Analysis:
You are losing 21.26% of your gross income to taxes immediately. That is the reality of the "Sticker Price." While you don't pay a dime to the State of Texas, the Federal government and FICA still claim over $21,000 of your paycheck.

This leaves you with a monthly net of $6,561. This is the only number that matters when you are signing a lease or buying a car.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,561 hitting your account monthly, the 50/30/20 rule is the discipline you need to avoid lifestyle creep. Here is how that math actually functions in the Arlington market.

Needs ($3,281/mo)

Rent, utilities, groceries, insurance.

Can you afford rent on this budget? Yes.
The median rent for a one-bedroom in Arlington hovers around $1,300–$1,500. This leaves you with roughly $1,700 for utilities, car insurance, and groceries. You are living comfortably, but not lavishly. You have purchasing power, but you aren't insulated from price hikes in groceries or energy.

Wants ($1,968/mo)

Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, travel.

This is your "Fun Fund." In Arlington, this goes a long way. You can hit the Texas Live! complex, drive to Dallas for nightlife, and maintain a healthy social calendar. However, if you buy a truck with a high note, this entire category evaporates instantly.

Savings ($1,312/mo)

Investments, 401(k), Emergency Fund.

This is where wealth is created.
Saving $1,312 a month puts you on track to max out a Roth IRA and build a significant brokerage position. In Arlington, where the cost of living is lower than the national average, this savings rate is a powerful engine for financial independence. Do not treat this as "leftover money"—treat it as a mandatory bill.

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Arlington Taxes vs. The Competition

Why choose Arlington? It is a tax haven compared to major hubs. Texas has no state income tax, which is the single biggest differentiator for high earners.

The Competitors:

• New York City: On a $100k salary, NYC residents face a combined state and city income tax burden of roughly 10–12%. You would lose an additional $10,000+ annually just for the privilege of living there.
• Austin, TX: While Austin has no state income tax (like Arlington), the cost of living—specifically housing—is significantly higher. You would pay a "housing premium" in Austin that effectively acts as a tax on your daily life.

The Verdict: Arlington offers the tax shield of Texas with a housing market that is significantly more accessible than Austin or Dallas proper.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Arlington?
A: The total effective state and local income tax rate in Arlington, TX is 0%. You do not file a state income tax return.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Arlington?
A: Yes. With a take-home pay of $78,736 ($6,561/mo), you are well above the median household income. You can afford a comfortable 1-bedroom apartment, drive a reliable car, and save over $1,300 monthly without budget stress.

Q: Does Arlington have a local city tax?
A: No. There is no local income tax collected by the City of Arlington. You will pay property taxes (which are relatively high in Texas) and sales tax, but you do not pay a local income tax on your wages.

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Disclaimer: This salary guide utilizes IRS 2026 standard deduction projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, and Texas State Comptroller tax tables. Calculations assume Single Filer status with standard deduction.