Arlington, VA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Washington has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 163 | Washington |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 208 ($1,330) | Washington |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 142 ($582) | Washington |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 154 ($374) | Washington |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 154 ($270) | Washington |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 189 ($91,540) | Arlington |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Washington, DC is cheaper overall by about 27 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.