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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Orange

California
206

Arlington is 1% cheaper than Orange.

$2,275/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 1%
$140,160/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 17%
$864,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 4%
$2,414/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ≈ Same
235,463
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,215/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Orange — common questions

Is Arlington or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Orange?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Orange?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $23,215/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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Orange details →

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