Median rent is 28% lower in Vancouver ($1,632/mo vs $2,275/mo). Buying is cheaper in Vancouver, where the median home runs $440,300 versus $864,800. Households earn more in Arlington ($140,160 vs $78,156 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 103.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Vancouver, WA
How much would you need to earn in Vancouver, WA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Vancouver, WA
$75,162
You'd need $162 more (0% higher).
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
Virginia
Vancouver
Washington
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Vancouver — median rent of $1,632/mo versus $2,275/mo in Arlington, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $864,800 versus $440,300 in Vancouver — 49% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Virginia tops out at 5.75% — giving Vancouver a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 6.50% in Washington; Arlington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Vancouver
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Vancouver has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,160/yr).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,632/mo median).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 22.0).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Arlington cheaper than Vancouver?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Vancouver?
Median rent is $2,275/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,632/mo in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver, WA has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Vancouver?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington, VA and $78,156 in Vancouver, WA. 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?
Vancouver, WA has better air quality on average: 22.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Vancouver?
Washington has no state income tax. Virginia has a top rate of 5.75%.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $100,217 in Vancouver, WA (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