Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Boston is 13% cheaper than Arlington.

$2,093/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 9%
$94,755/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 48%
$710,400 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 22%
$2,176/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 11%
663,972
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $45,405/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Arlington — common questions

Is Boston or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Arlington?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Arlington?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $45,405/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
View Boston details → View Arlington details →

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