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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Arlington is 19% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,275/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 7%
$140,160/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 23%
$864,800 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 56%
$2,414/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 3%
235,463
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $31,602/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Arlington or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Berkeley?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Berkeley?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $31,602/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Berkeley details →

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