Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Arlington is 46% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,275/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 20%
$140,160/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 31%
$864,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 42%
$2,414/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 24%
235,463
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $44,015/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Westminster — common questions

Is Arlington or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Westminster?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Westminster?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $44,015/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Westminster

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