As a neighbor to the U.S. capital, it’s no surprise that the cost of living in Arlington, VA, is on the higher side. Situated in the heart of Northern Virginia, just 4.33 miles from Washington, D.C., Arlington is renowned for its excellent schools, vibrant cultural activities, and high quality of life. Therefore, despite the high cost of living in Arlington, Virginia, it continues attracting countless students, job seekers, and people pursuing a high-quality lifestyle. In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into all aspects of Arlington’s cost of living, from housing and transportation to healthcare and entertainment, from resident income to various taxes. Hope this can help you better understand what it truly means to call this historical city home.
Is the Cost of Living in Arlington VA High?
The cost of living in Arlington, VA, is 36% higher than the national and 37% above the state average. According to Numbeo, Arlington’s cost of living index is 74.93. This index is based on a comparison of prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. This high index means a higher cost of living, higher income requirements, a higher quality of life, and a higher level of consumption.
| Items | Average Cost of Living Arlington VA | Average Cost of Living United States |
|---|---|---|
| Home Price | $826,056.00 | $357,138.00 |
| Rent | $2,381.00 | $1,576.00 |
| Meal & Groceries | $669.00 | $632.00 |
| Transportation | $465.00 | $438.00 |
| Healthcare | $160.00 | $138.00 |
| Utility Billing | $393.00 | $370.00 |
| Goods & Service | $1,123.00 | $974.00 |
Cost of Living in Arlington VA Breakdown
Housing Expenses
Rent in Arlington VA
The average rent in Arlington, VA, is 51% higher than the national average. Rents vary in different areas:
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,475.00 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,850.00 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $4,350.00 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,540.00 |
For tenants, rent is one of the largest expenses in the cost of living in Arlington, VA. When the rent is high, tenants may squeeze the spending on other necessities, which can affect the overall quality of life. Searching for cost-effective housing or shared accommodation and budgeting wisely with the remaining funds after paying rent, are highly effective ways to cope with the high cost of living in Arlington, Virginia.
Home Price in Arlington VA
The average home price in Arlington is about 131% higher than the U.S. average, which presents significant challenges for homebuyers. The differences in home prices across various neighborhoods can serve as a reference for homebuyers in coping with the high cost of living in Arlington, Virginia:
| Neighborhoods | Median Arlington VA Home Prices |
|---|---|
| Buckingham | $352,765.00 |
| Ballston-Virginia Square | $538,784.00 |
| Clarendon-Courthouse | $658,224.00 |
| Penrose | $761,131.00 |
| Alcova Heights | $818,968.00 |
| Arlington Heights | $844,269.00 |
| Lyon Park | $1,173,133.00 |
| Ashton Heights | $1,323,423.00 |
| Lyon Village | $1,704,790.00 |
Meal & Grocery Expenses
Regarding dining out and grocery expenses in Arlington, VA, the cost of living is 6% higher than the national average.
| Meal & Grocery | Cost of Living Arlington VA |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $20.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | $95.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds | $12.00 |
| Domestic Beer | $8.00 |
| Cappuccino | $5.54 |
| Coke/Pepsi | $3.02 |
| Milk (1 gallon) | $4.73 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $3.79 |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | $2.97 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $4.31 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $7.44 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $6.83 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.77 |
| Banana (1 lb) | $0.91 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.36 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $2.64 |
| Potato (1 lb) | $1.62 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.51 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $16.00 |
Transportation Expenses
Arlington, VA’s living cost on transport is 6% above the U.S. average.
| Transportation | Cost of Living Arlington VA |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket | $3.50 |
| Monthly Pass | $125.00 |
| Taxi Start | $3.00 |
| Taxi 1 mile | $2.50 |
| Gasoline | $3.44 |
Healthcare Expenses
| Healthcare | Cost of Living Arlington VA |
|---|---|
| Doctor’s Visit | $157.74 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.71 |
| Optometrist Visit | $144.47 |
| Rx Drug | $273.85 |
| Veterinary Visit | $72.75 |
Utility Billing
| Utility Billing | Cost of Living Arlington VA |
|---|---|
| Basic for 915 sq ft Apartment | $203.84 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan | $58.30 |
| Internet | $71.15 |
Goods & Service Expenses
When it comes to daily necessities, clothing, basic services, and entertainment, the cost of living in Arlington exceeds the national average by 15%.
| Goods & Service | Cost of Living Arlington VA |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans | $56.33 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store | $51.89 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | $91.57 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | $143.60 |
| Toothpaste | $4.24 |
| Shampoo | $1.71 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $77.25 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | $23.75 |
| Cinema | $15.00 |
| Yoga Class | $26.75 |
| Newspaper | $9.56 |
| Haircut | $28.48 |
| Beauty salon | $54.77 |
| Dry cleaning | $16.25 |
Taxes in Arlington VA
Taxes play a significant role in the cost of living in Arlington, VA. Therefore, understanding the local tax structure is crucial for rational economic planning and budgeting.
Income Tax
The Income Tax Rate for Arlington is 5.8%. The national average is 4.6%.
Property Tax
The property tax rate in Arlington is $1.033 per $100 of assessed value. For example, a property valued at $1 million would incur an annual property tax of approximately $10,330. This expense represents a significant portion of Arlington, Virginia’s cost of living when purchasing and holding property over the long term.
Sales Tax
The Sales Tax Rate for Arlington is 6.0%. The national average is 7.3%.
Other Taxes
Residents also need to pay other relatively smaller taxes and fees, such as vehicle registration tax and gasoline tax. Over the long term, the accumulation of these taxes can also have a certain impact on the cost of living in Arlington, Virginia.
What Income Do I Need to Afford the Cost of Living in Arlington VA?
The average annual cost of living in Arlington, Virginia, for a single person is about $60,000. Therefore, an annual salary of no less than $80,000 is advisable to live comfortably without financial worries.
For a family of four, Arlington, VA’s living cost is $114,000 on average. A household income of $214,000-$235,000 is recommended to live a quality life.
Quality of Life in Arlington VA
Numbeo’s quality of life index for Arlington stands at 205.74, indicating a very high standard of living, which means that residents here can afford high quality housing, education, healthcare, and entertainment activities.
Average Income in Arlington VA
Though the average cost of living in Arlington, VA, is high, it also boasts a high wage. According to Payscale, the average income in Arlington, VA, is $97,000, significantly exceeding the national average by 46%. This higher income level enables residents to cope with the higher cost of living in Arlington.
Arlington offers abundant and promising career development opportunities for job seekers and students planning to stay here after graduation. Being close to Washington, D.C., means there are well-developed aviation, technology, and finance industries, which provide a large number of high-paying positions. The following are the average incomes of some popular jobs for reference:
| Jobs | Average Income in Arlington VA |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $104,625.00 |
| Management Consultant | $92,824.00 |
| Data Scientist | $103,857.00 |
| Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | $91,510.00 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $134,005.00 |
| Senior Business Analyst | $104,731.00 |
| Research Analyst | $64,671.00 |
Conclusion
A full understanding of the cost of living in Arlington, VA, is crucial whether you are coming to study, seek employment, or experience a different lifestyle. Despite Arlington’s cost of living being higher than the national average, knowing specific expenses in daily life helps you plan your budget to better cope with the high-cost environment and avoid unnecessary financial stress. In particular, housing costs account for a considerable proportion of the cost of living in Arlington, Virginia.
If you want to save on housing, uhomes.com can provide professional assistance. Our housing can meet various budgets, with the lowest monthly rent as low as $699. Whether looking for Arlington student apartments near a university or traditional housing close to your workplace, you can easily find high-quality properties that fit your budget. Find housing with us to unlock more exclusive discounts and the highest cashback, and embark on an affordable living journey today!
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arlington or DC?
On average, the cost of living in Arlington, VA, is lower than that in Washington, D.C, making living cheaper. According to Numbeo, Arlington has a cost of living of 6.9% lower than Washington, DC, excluding housing expenses. Regarding rent, in Washington, DC, it is 10.7% higher than in Arlington, VA. Our student housing in the city provides lower rent than in Washington.
What are the pros and cons of living in Arlington, VA?
Arlington boasts a well-developed public transportation system, high-quality educational resources, rich cultural and artistic venues, and outdoor recreational areas. Its residents enjoy relatively high incomes. It is also conveniently located near offerings in Washington, D.C. However, due to its proximity to the capital, Arlington has a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing prices, and it also faces traffic congestion issues.
Is Arlington, VA safe to live?
The crime rate in Arlington, VA, is slightly higher than that of the average U.S. city. According to CrimeGrade.org, Arlington, VA, has a safety rating of C, which means it is only safer than 41% of cities. However, there are very safe areas within the city, including Bluemont, Arlington Ridge, Court House, and Ashton Heights.
