Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Arlington is 97% more expensive than South Fulton.

$2,275/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↓ 29%
$140,160/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 42%
$864,800 ↑ 220%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 69%
$2,414/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 36%
235,463
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in South Fulton, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $58,362/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Arlington or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and South Fulton?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or South Fulton?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $58,362/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View South Fulton details →

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