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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Arlington is 34% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,275/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 31%
$140,160/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 24%
$864,800 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 77%
$2,414/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 26%
235,463
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $33,510/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Arlington or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $33,510/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Santa Clara

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville