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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Arlington is 11% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$2,275/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 7%
$140,160/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↓ 14%
$864,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 21%
$2,414/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ≈ Same
235,463
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $20,275/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Arlington or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $20,275/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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Huntington Beach details →

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