Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Arlington is 15% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,275/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 21%
$140,160/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 10%
$864,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 20%
$2,414/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 9%
235,463
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $13,691/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Arlington or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cambridge?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cambridge?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $13,691/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Cambridge details →

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