Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Arlington is 69% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,275/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 29%
$140,160/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 45%
$864,800 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 51%
$2,414/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 36%
235,463
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $62,517/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Tempe — common questions

Is Arlington or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tempe?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tempe?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $62,517/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arizona?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Tempe

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News