Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Virginia Beach, VA and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 100.1% more expensive than in Virginia Beach, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA.

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

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

Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA

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 Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC 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.

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$447K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

144

(44% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 459K 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: Virginia Beach, VA vs Arlington, VA

Category	Virginia Beach, VA	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $2,732more	100.1%
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

↑ 100.1%

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$2,732

Transportation

↑ 43.4%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$558

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

All Utilities

↓ 12.5%

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$71.46

less

Other

↑ 1.4%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$24.92

Healthcare

↓ 1.2%

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$7.32

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,578

↓ $202

1 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,827

↑ $27.00

2 Bed

From$2,040

To$2,325

↑ $285

3 Bed

From$2,830

To$3,239

↑ $409

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/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.

$7,935

Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,344

Difference

Home Values

Virginia Beach

Arlington

$447K

Median Value

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

$318K - $640K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach, 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

Virginia Beach, 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.