Median rent is 10% lower in Arlington ($2,043/mo vs $2,275/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $864,800 versus $885,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($141,440 vs $140,160 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (103.4).
City A
Arlington, MA
City B
Arlington, VA
How much would you need to earn in Arlington, VA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, MA?
Equivalent salary in Arlington, VA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Massachusetts
Arlington
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Arlington at $2,043/mo compared to $2,275/mo in Arlington (10% gap). Median home values are within 2% of each other: $885,000 in Arlington and $864,800 in Arlington.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Arlington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 5.30% in Virginia; Arlington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Arlington
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Arlington (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Arlington.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Arlington cheaper than Arlington?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 103.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Arlington?
Median rent is $2,043/mo in Arlington, MA and $2,275/mo in Arlington, VA. Arlington, MA has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Arlington?
Median household income is $141,440 in Arlington, MA and $140,160 in Arlington, VA. Arlington, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Arlington?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Arlington, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Arlington to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, MA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Arlington, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology