Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Arlington is 34% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,275/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 21%
$140,160/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 19%
$864,800 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 31%
$2,414/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 19%
235,463
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $26,764/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Arvada — common questions

Is Arlington or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Arvada?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Arvada?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $26,764/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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