Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Reno is 40% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,453/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 57%
$78,448/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 79%
$498,600 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 73%
$1,482/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 63%
268,959
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $822/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $9,864/year.

Median household income is $61,712/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Arlington — common questions

Is Reno or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Arlington?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $822/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Arlington?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $61,712/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Virginia?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Arlington details →

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