Median rent is 6% lower in Arlington ($2,322/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $895,000 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $140,970 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.5 against 117.6 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Arlington is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 109.5 in Arlington vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$80,483
You'd need $5,483 more (7% higher).
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
San Francisco
California
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 Arlington at $2,322/mo compared to $2,476/mo in San Francisco (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $895,000 in Arlington — 36% 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
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Arlington (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.5 vs 117.6).
Is Arlington cheaper than San Francisco?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.5 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Arlington, VA has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or San Francisco?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $107,310 in San Francisco, CA (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
