Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Arlington is 88% more expensive than Brandon.

$2,275/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 26%
$140,160/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 45%
$864,800 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 66%
$2,414/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 36%
235,463
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $63,092/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Brandon — common questions

Is Arlington or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Brandon?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Brandon?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $63,092/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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