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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Arlington is 21% more expensive than Elk Grove.

$2,275/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↓ 4%
$140,160/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↓ 13%
$864,800 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$603,400 ↓ 30%
$2,414/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↓ 8%
235,463
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $17,931/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Arlington or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $17,931/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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Elk Grove

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem