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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.3K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $213.6K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
70.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,302
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$63.6K
Per year

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

Columbus, GA

Population:207K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$153K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K
Cost Index:
171
(71% above avg)
Median Home:$556K

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 207K residents.

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: Columbus, GA vs Arlington, VA

Housing
184.0%
Columbus, GA
$1,923
Arlington, VA
$5,461
Difference
$3,538
more
Transportation
27.2%
Columbus, GA
$1,448
Arlington, VA
$1,842
Difference
$394
more
Other
13.3%
Columbus, GA
$1,574
Arlington, VA
$1,783
Difference
$209
more
Healthcare
21.5%
Columbus, GA
$514
Arlington, VA
$625
Difference
$110
more
Groceries
11.2%
Columbus, GA
$959
Arlington, VA
$1,067
Difference
$107
more
All Utilities
14.1%
Columbus, GA
$585
Arlington, VA
$502
Difference
$82.39
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$1,578
$698
1 Bed
From$930
To$1,827
$897
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$2,325
$1,240
3 Bed
From$1,435
To$3,239
$1,804
Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850$1,290/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.

$7,003
Monthly in Columbus, GA
$11,279
Monthly in Arlington, VA
$4,276
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Arlington
$153K
Median Value
-
0%
YoY Change
-
↑ +39.1%
5-Year Change
-
$69K - $226K
Price Range
-

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

Columbus, 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

Columbus, 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.

Environment

Columbus
Arlington
49 Good
Air Quality
45 Good
52.7%
Good Air Days
63.7%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
None
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Georgia and Virginia on TaxTakeHome.com

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