Cost of Living in Arlington, VA
Population 235,463 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Arlington's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $865,000 for a typical home, 184% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $140,160 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Arlington
The median home value in Arlington is $864,800 — 184% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,275/month, 73% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,160/year is 88% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Arlington has a cost of living index of 239 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 139% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.62 | 3.50 | 3.21 | 3.94 | 4.20 | 4.33 | 3.25 | 3.93 | 3.66 | 2.91 | 3.41 |
| Snow" | 4.9 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA?
Arlington has a cost index of 239 (100 = national average). It is 139% above the national average.
What is average rent in Arlington, VA?
The median gross rent in Arlington is $2,275 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington is $864,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington is $140,160 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Arlington, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Arlington is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Arlington, VA affordable?
Arlington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 239 — about 139% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Arlington?
Arlington has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Arlington at a Glance
- Population
- 235,463
- Median Income
- $140,160
- Home Value
- $864,800
- Median Rent
- $2,275/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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Virginia Rankings
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