Arlington, Virginia has an overall cost of living index of 109.5, which is 9.5 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,322 per month, while the typical home is valued around $895,000. Households earn a median of $142,114 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 24. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$142,114
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,322
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$895,000
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
109.5
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
109.5
Goods
106.4
Rents / Housing
151.9
Services
105.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $151,000 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $102,510 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $78,790 |
| ⚡Electrician | $78,580 |
| 📊Accountant | $108,670 |
| 🔧Plumber | $71,000 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $209,050 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $108,530 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $160,690 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $97,910 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $156,970 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $60,610 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $156,510 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
236,254
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.5 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
24.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
N/A
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$2,251
Per month
Avg Home Value
$857,640
Census ACS
January Avg
37°F
July Avg
81°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Temperate · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
32.0
poor
Hospitals
1
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
94.7%
What is the cost of living index for Arlington?
Arlington has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 109.5. The US national average is 100, so Arlington is 9.5 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Arlington?
The median gross rent in Arlington is $2,322 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington is $142,114 per year.
What is the median home value in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington is $895,000 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Arlington?
Arlington has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Arlington?
Tax data for Virginia is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
