Arlington, VA vs Rockville, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Rockville has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Rockville | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 157 | Rockville |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 189 ($1,571) | Rockville |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 100 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 164 ($672) | Rockville |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 145 ($340) | Rockville |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 145 ($246) | Rockville |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 123 ($59,510) | Arlington |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Rockville, MD cheaper to live in?
Rockville, MD is cheaper overall by about 33 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Rockville, MD: 157; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Rockville, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $54,950/year in Rockville, MD to cover basic living costs.