Arlington, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA: Cost of Living Comparison
Virginia Beach has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Virginia Beach | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 107 | Virginia Beach |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 105 ($1,154) | Virginia Beach |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 121 ($496) | Virginia Beach |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 103 ($189) | Virginia Beach |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 103 ($137) | Virginia Beach |
| 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 Virginia Beach, VA cheaper to live in?
Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall by about 83 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Virginia Beach, VA: 107; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $37,450/year in Virginia Beach, VA to cover basic living costs.