Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Chandler is 34% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,806/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 26%
$103,691/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 35%
$469,800 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 84%
$1,743/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 38%
278,123
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $36,469/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Arlington — common questions

Is Chandler or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Arlington?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Arlington?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $36,469/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chandler and Arlington

Chandler vs. Plano Chandler vs. Buffalo Chandler vs. Durham Chandler vs. Madison Chandler vs. Anchorage Chandler vs. Chula Vista Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane