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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Fremont

California
278

Arlington is 75% cheaper than Fremont.

$2,275/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 28%
$140,160/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 26%
$864,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 49%
$2,414/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 24%
235,463
Population
228,518

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $36,190/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Fremont — common questions

Is Arlington or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Fremont?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Fremont?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $36,190/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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