Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Atlanta is 40% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,617/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 41%
$81,938/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 71%
$420,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 106%
$1,695/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 42%
499,287
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $58,222/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Arlington — common questions

Is Atlanta or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Arlington?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Arlington?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $58,222/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Virginia?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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