Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 40.1% more expensive than Atlanta, GA. This translates to spending an extra $3007 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, VA to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $186,083.05 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 108.1% more expensive than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Arlington, VA?

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $3007 more per month than Atlanta, GA, or $36083 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Atlanta, GA vs Arlington, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.1K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↑ 40.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,007

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$441K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

140

(40% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Arlington, VA

Category	Atlanta, GA	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,625/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $2,836more	108.1%
Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $394more	27.2%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,783/mo	↓ $142less	7.4%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $107more	11.2%
All Utilities	$585/mo	$502/mo	↓ $82.39less	14.1%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$625/mo	↑ $36.05more	6.1%

Housing

↑ 108.1%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$2,836

Transportation

↑ 27.2%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$394

Other

↓ 7.4%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$142

less

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

All Utilities

↓ 14.1%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$82.39

less

Healthcare

↑ 6.1%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$36.05

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,578

↓ $287

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,827

↓ $123

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,325

↑ $185

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$3,239

↑ $674

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,149

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Arlington

$441K

Median Value

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Atlanta

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $85.00

Per year

Monthly Difference

$7.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.