Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Arlington is 178% more expensive than High Point.

$2,275/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 53%
$140,160/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 56%
$864,800 ↑ 307%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 75%
$2,414/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 55%
235,463
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,213/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $14,556/year.

Median household income is $78,932/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs High Point — common questions

Is Arlington or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and High Point?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,213/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or High Point?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $78,932/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View High Point details →

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