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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Denver is 28% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,770/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 29%
$91,681/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 53%
$586,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 47%
$1,839/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 31%
713,734
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $48,479/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Arlington — common questions

Is Denver or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Arlington?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Arlington?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $48,479/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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