Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Arlington is 7% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,389/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 10%
$73,519/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 13%
$276,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 2%
$1,420/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 4%
394,769
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $9,502/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Arlington or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Norfolk?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Norfolk?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $9,502/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Norfolk details →

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