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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Arlington is 78% more expensive than Cape Coral.

$2,275/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↓ 23%
$140,160/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↓ 46%
$864,800 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$339,200 ↓ 61%
$2,414/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↓ 37%
235,463
Population
206,387

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
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Cape Coral, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $64,098/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Arlington or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cape Coral is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $64,098/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 Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Cape Coral details →

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Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City