Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Seattle is 3% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,998/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 14%
$121,984/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 15%
$912,100 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$864,800 ↓ 5%
$2,220/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 9%
741,440
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $18,176/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Arlington — common questions

Is Seattle or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Arlington?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Arlington?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $18,176/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Arlington details →

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