Cost of Living in Arlington, WA
Population 20,599 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Arlington sits on the smaller end of the Washington city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Arlington sits roughly 14 miles north of Everett — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Everett's $532,000 median.
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 $492,600 — 62% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,764/month, 34% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,919/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 57.9°F and lows of 44.9°F. Overall, Arlington has a cost of living index of 151 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% 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 | 46 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 63 | 66 | 72 | 73 | 68 | 58 | 50 | 45 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 55 | 52 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 2.84 | 3.63 | 2.67 | 2.11 | 1.89 | 0.84 | 0.98 | 1.68 | 3.35 | 4.97 | 4.52 |
💨 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, WA?
Arlington has a cost index of 151 (100 = national average). It is 51% above the national average.
What is average rent in Arlington, WA?
The median gross rent in Arlington is $1,764 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington is $492,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington is $84,919 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Arlington, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Arlington is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Arlington, WA affordable?
Arlington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 151 — about 51% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Arlington?
Arlington has average high temperatures of 57.9°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 33.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Arlington at a Glance
- Population
- 20,599
- Median Income
- $84,919
- Home Value
- $492,600
- Median Rent
- $1,764/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs