Median rent is 18% lower in Chandler ($1,902/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chandler, where the median home runs $507,800 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $108,095 a year). Taken together, Chandler is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 104.7 against 109.5 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Chandler is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 104.7 in Chandler vs 109.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Chandler, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Chandler, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Chandler, AZ
$71,668
You could earn $3,332 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Chandler
Arizona
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Chandler at $1,902/mo compared to $2,322/mo in Arlington (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $507,800 in Chandler — 43% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Chandler
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 32.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Chandler if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 104.7 vs 109.5).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Chandler if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,902/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Chandler?
Chandler is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 104.7 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Chandler.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Chandler?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,902/mo in Chandler, AZ. Chandler, AZ has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Chandler?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $108,095 in Chandler, AZ. Arlington, VA 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?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 32.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Chandler?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Chandler to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $95,557 in Chandler, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
