Virginia · Population 235,463 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Arlington
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Arlington has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 203 (where 100 equals the national median), Arlington residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,275/month while earning a median household income of $140,160/year.
The median home value in Arlington, VA is $864,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,414 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Virginia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 5.3% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Arlington.
Common questions about living costs in Arlington
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Arlington, VA with 299 other major U.S. cities