Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Arlington is 61% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,275/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 30%
$140,160/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 40%
$864,800 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 47%
$2,414/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 28%
235,463
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $56,303/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Arlington or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tacoma?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tacoma?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $56,303/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Tacoma details →

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