Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Arlington, VA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

New York is 18% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,779/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 28%
$79,713/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 76%
$751,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 15%
$1,837/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 31%
8,516,202
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $60,447/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Arlington — common questions

Is New York or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New York is cheaper to live in with an index of 166 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Arlington?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Arlington?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $60,447/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Arlington details →

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