Arlington, VA vs Charlottesville, VA: Cost of Living Comparison
Charlottesville has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Charlottesville | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 114 | Charlottesville |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 129 ($1,017) | Charlottesville |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 94 ($385) | Charlottesville |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 115 ($232) | Charlottesville |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 115 ($168) | Charlottesville |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 115 ($55,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Charlottesville, VA cheaper to live in?
Charlottesville, VA is cheaper overall by about 76 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Charlottesville, VA: 114; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Charlottesville, VA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $39,900/year in Charlottesville, VA to cover basic living costs.