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

Arlington

Virginia

203

Santa Clarita

California

197

Arlington is 6% more expensive than Santa Clarita.

$2,275/mo ↓ 8%

Median Rent

$2,486/mo ↑ 9%

$140,160/yr ↑ 17%

Median Income

$119,926/yr ↓ 14%

$864,800 ↑ 20%

Home Value

$721,000 ↓ 17%

$2,414/mo ↓ 9%

Owner Costs

$2,649/mo ↑ 10%

235,463

Population

229,021

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

13.3%

5.3%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

19.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.9%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $20,234/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Arlington or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 203 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Arlington and Santa Clarita?

Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $211/month.

Which city has higher income, Arlington or Santa Clarita?

Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $20,234/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 Santa Clarita?

It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.