Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Washington is 80% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,900/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 27%
$106,287/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 31%
$724,600 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 62%
$2,103/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 32%
672,079
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $32,768/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Arlington — common questions

Is Washington or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Arlington?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Arlington?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $32,768/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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