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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

San Diego is 3% cheaper than Arlington.

$2,223/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 2%
$104,321/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 34%
$848,500 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 2%
$2,308/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 5%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $35,839/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Arlington — common questions

Is San Diego or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Arlington?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Arlington?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $35,839/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 San Diego or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Arlington details →

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