Arlington, MA

Very High · 196

Massachusetts · Population 46,015 · Updated March 2026

$2,043
Median Rent / Month
$141,440
Median Income
$885,000
Median Home Value
$2,293
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Arlington

17.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Massachusetts

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.15%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$24,516
Annual Rent
$12,730
State Income Tax
$10,178
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Arlington has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 196 (where 100 equals the national median), Arlington residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,043/month while earning a median household income of $141,440/year.

The median home value in Arlington, MA is $885,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,293 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Massachusetts's top income tax rate of 9.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Arlington

What is the cost of living in Arlington, MA?
The cost of living index in Arlington, MA is 196 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,043, median household income is $141,440/year, and the median home value is $885,000.
Is Arlington, MA affordable?
No, Arlington is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 196. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Arlington, MA?
The median gross rent in Arlington, MA is $2,043 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $24,516.
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington, MA is $141,440 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a top income tax rate of 9.0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.15%.