Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Chicago is 51% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,380/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 65%
$75,134/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 87%
$315,200 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 174%
$1,502/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 61%
2,707,648
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $895/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,740/year.

Median household income is $65,026/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Arlington — common questions

Is Chicago or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Arlington?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $895/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Arlington?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $65,026/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Arlington details →

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