Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 48.5% more expensive than Richmond, VA. This translates to spending an extra $3637 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $193,648.033 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 114.4% more expensive than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

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

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $3637 more per month than Richmond, VA, or $43648 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.6K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $193.6K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Richmond, VA area

Overall Cost

↑ 48.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,637

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$43.6K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

148

(48% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K 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: Richmond, VA vs Arlington, VA

Category	Richmond, VA	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $2,914more	114.4%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $558more	43.4%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $107more	11.2%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$502/mo	↓ $71.46less	12.5%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,783/mo	↑ $24.92more	1.4%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$625/mo	↓ $7.32less	1.2%

Housing

↑ 114.4%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$2,914

Transportation

↑ 43.4%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$558

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Richmond, VA

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

All Utilities

↓ 12.5%

Richmond, VA

$574

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$71.46

less

Other

↑ 1.4%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$24.92

Healthcare

↓ 1.2%

Richmond, VA

$632

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$7.32

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$1,578

↑ $88.00

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,827

↑ $267

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$2,325

↑ $615

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$3,239

↑ $1,099

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,525

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Arlington

$350K

Median Value

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

$234K - $619K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Richmond

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Richmond, 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

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

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.