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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Washington is 16% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,900/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 20%
$106,287/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 32%
$724,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 19%
$2,103/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 15%
672,079
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $33,873/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Arlington — common questions

Is Washington or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Arlington?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $33,873/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Arlington details →

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