Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 53.1% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $3982 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, VA to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $197,781.477 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 121.2% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Arlington, VA?

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $3982 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $47781 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.0K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $197.8K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 53.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,982

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$47.8K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

153

(53% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs Arlington, VA

Category	Raleigh, NC	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $2,992more	121.2%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $558more	43.4%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $107more	11.2%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,783/mo	↑ $75.14more	4.4%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$502/mo	↓ $44.14less	8.1%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$625/mo	↑ $23.66more	3.9%

Housing

↑ 121.2%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$2,992

Transportation

↑ 43.4%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$558

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

Other

↑ 4.4%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$75.14

All Utilities

↓ 8.1%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$44.14

less

Healthcare

↑ 3.9%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$23.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,578

↑ $8.00

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,827

↑ $187

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,325

↑ $525

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$3,239

↑ $984

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,712

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Arlington

$512K

Median Value

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

$314K - $992K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$104

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.