Arlington, Virginia has an overall cost of living index of 103.4, which is 3.4 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,275 per month, while the typical home is valued around $864,800. Households earn a median of $140,160 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 58. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$140,160
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,275
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$864,800
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
103.4
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
103.4
Goods
102.1
Rents / Housing
116.3
Services
88.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.75%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
5.30%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $128,100 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $94,240 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $64,740 |
| ⚡Electrician | $56,950 |
| 📊Accountant | $90,130 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
235,463
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.5 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
58.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Arlington?
Arlington has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 103.4. The US national average is 100, so Arlington is 3.4 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Arlington?
The median gross rent in Arlington is $2,275 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington is $140,160 per year.
What is the median home value in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington is $864,800 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Arlington?
Arlington has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 58.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Arlington?
Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a statewide sales tax of 5.30% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology