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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Arlington is 40% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$2,275/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 35%
$140,160/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 30%
$864,800 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 110%
$2,414/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 25%
235,463
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $790/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $9,480/year.

Median household income is $41,702/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Arlington or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $790/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $41,702/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Sunnyvale details →

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