Arlington vs Mansfield: which is better to live in?
Arlington gets D overall and Mansfield gets A-. Mansfield comes out ahead on our index.
Arlington wins on errands and things to do and getting around. Mansfield wins on jobs and income, schools, safety, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access.
Mansfield is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
Side by side
| Arlington | Mansfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | D | A- |
| Population | 402,134 | 84,444 |
| Growth since 2020 | +2.0% | +16.3% |
| Median rent | $1,470 | $1,954 |
| Median home value | $304,700 | $410,700 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,061 | $2,885 |
| Median household income | $75,171 | $121,126 |
| Property tax per year | $4,716 | $7,645 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 406 | 106 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,993 | 1,189 |
| Schools rated A or B | 48% | 89% |
| Average commute | 27 min | 29 min |
| Work from home | 13% | 15% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 33% | 43% |
| Median age | 33.7 years | 36.4 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 106 | 106 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Arlington | Mansfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C (46) | C (46) |
| Jobs and income | C- (38) | A (91) |
| Schools | C- (33) | A- (87) |
| Safety | D (24) | B+ (79) |
| Errands and things to do | B+ (74) | C- (39) |
| Getting around | D (21) | F (7) |
| Education levels | D+ (31) | B+ (76) |
| Health | D- (15) | C+ (55) |
| Home ownership | C- (36) | B+ (77) |
| Internet access | C (47) | A- (87) |
Cost of living
Arlington is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is lower in Arlington: a median of $1,470 a month, 25% lower than Mansfield's $1,954.
The median home is worth $304,700 in Arlington and $410,700 in Mansfield. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,061 a month against $2,885, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 4.1 times income in Arlington and 3.4 times in Mansfield.
Commute and location
Commutes average 27 minutes in Arlington and 29 in Mansfield.
The two are about 9 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Mansfield has less violent crime. Arlington reported 406 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Mansfield reported 106 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 48% of Arlington's 95 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 89% of Mansfield's 27.
Common questions
Is Arlington or Mansfield better to live in?
Mansfield grades higher overall (D vs A-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Arlington cheaper than Mansfield?
Yes. Arlington has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Arlington or Mansfield?
Mansfield, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.