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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Salinas

California
156

Arlington is 30% more expensive than Salinas.

$2,275/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↓ 15%
$140,160/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↓ 36%
$864,800 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$610,900 ↓ 29%
$2,414/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↓ 21%
235,463
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Salinas, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $51,010/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Salinas — common questions

Is Arlington or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salinas is cheaper to live in with an index of 156 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Salinas?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Salinas?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $51,010/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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Salinas details →

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