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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Arlington is 56% more expensive than Palmdale.

$2,275/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 24%
$140,160/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 42%
$864,800 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 50%
$2,414/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 24%
235,463
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $59,009/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Arlington or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Palmdale?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Palmdale?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $59,009/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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Palmdale

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona