Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Los Angeles is 8% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,879/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 21%
$80,366/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 74%
$879,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$864,800 ↓ 2%
$2,055/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 17%
3,857,897
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $59,794/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Arlington — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Arlington?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Arlington?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $59,794/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Arlington details →

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