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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Arlington is 31% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,275/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↓ 12%
$140,160/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 36%
$864,800 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 36%
$2,414/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 15%
235,463
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $50,664/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Arlington or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Vallejo?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Vallejo?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $50,664/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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Vallejo details →

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