Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 44.2% more expensive than Tampa, FL. This translates to spending an extra $3313 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $189,755.372 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 102.1% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

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

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $3313 more per month than Tampa, FL, or $39755 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $189.8K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,313

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$39.8K

Per year

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

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$367K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

144

(44% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

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: Tampa, FL vs Arlington, VA

Category	Tampa, FL	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,703/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $2,758more	102.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $558more	43.4%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$502/mo	↓ $71.46less	12.5%
Healthcare	$570/mo	$625/mo	↑ $54.63more	9.6%
Groceries	$1,019/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $47.45more	4.7%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,783/mo	↓ $25.30less	1.4%

Housing

↑ 102.1%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$2,758

Transportation

↑ 43.4%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$558

All Utilities

↓ 12.5%

Tampa, FL

$574

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$71.46

less

Healthcare

↑ 9.6%

Tampa, FL

$570

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$54.63

Groceries

↑ 4.7%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$47.45

Other

↓ 1.4%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$25.30

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,578

↓ $272

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,827

↓ $133

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$2,325

↑ $35.00

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$3,239

↑ $309

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,321

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Arlington

$367K

Median Value

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

$251K - $989K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$697

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.