Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Arlington is 131% more expensive than Hampton.

$2,275/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 41%
$140,160/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 52%
$864,800 ↑ 269%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 73%
$2,414/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 44%
235,463
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $929/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $11,148/year.

Median household income is $72,402/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Hampton — common questions

Is Arlington or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Hampton?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $929/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Hampton?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $72,402/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Hampton details →

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