Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Arlington is 19% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,275/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 10%
$140,160/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 15%
$864,800 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 39%
$2,414/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 7%
235,463
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $21,140/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Arlington or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Bellevue?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Bellevue?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $21,140/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Bellevue details →

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