Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Orlando is 43% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,650/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 38%
$69,268/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 102%
$359,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 141%
$1,621/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 49%
311,732
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Orlando, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $70,892/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Arlington — common questions

Is Orlando or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Arlington?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Arlington?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $70,892/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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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