Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Arlington is 233% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,275/mo ↑ 139%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 58%
$140,160/yr ↑ 139%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 58%
$864,800 ↑ 478%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 83%
$2,414/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 58%
235,463
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,324/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $15,888/year.

Median household income is $81,444/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Peoria — common questions

Is Arlington or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Peoria?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $1,324/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Peoria?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $81,444/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Peoria details →

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