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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Arlington is 65% more expensive than Vancouver.

$2,275/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 28%
$140,160/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 44%
$864,800 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 49%
$2,414/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 33%
235,463
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $62,004/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Arlington or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Vancouver?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Vancouver?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $62,004/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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Vancouver details →

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