Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Anaheim is 21% cheaper than Arlington.

$2,082/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 9%
$90,583/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 55%
$771,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 12%
$2,165/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 12%
344,553
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $49,577/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Arlington — common questions

Is Anaheim or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Arlington?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Arlington?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $49,577/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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