Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Virginia Beach is 23% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,649/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 16%
$90,685/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 19%
$366,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 25%
$1,704/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 17%
457,066
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $17,166/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Arlington — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Arlington?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Arlington?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $17,166/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Arlington details →

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