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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Torrance

California
218

Arlington is 7% cheaper than Torrance.

$2,275/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↓ 3%
$140,160/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↓ 19%
$864,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 20%
$2,414/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↓ 5%
235,463
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Torrance, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $27,055/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Torrance — common questions

Is Arlington or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Torrance?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Torrance?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $27,055/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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Torrance

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco