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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Sacramento is 35% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,694/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 34%
$83,753/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 67%
$484,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 78%
$1,752/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 38%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $56,407/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Arlington — common questions

Is Sacramento or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Arlington?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Arlington?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $56,407/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 Sacramento or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Arlington details →

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