Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Arlington is 107% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,275/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 42%
$140,160/yr ↑ 124%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 55%
$864,800 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 62%
$2,414/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 43%
235,463
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $961/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $11,532/year.

Median household income is $77,489/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Richmond — common questions

Is Arlington or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Richmond?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $961/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Richmond?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $77,489/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Richmond details →

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