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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Arlington is 3% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,389/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 5%
$73,519/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 15%
$276,400 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$328,100 ↑ 19%
$1,420/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 3%
394,769
Population
227,595

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $10,848/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Richmond — common questions

Is Arlington or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Richmond?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Richmond?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $10,848/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Richmond details →

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