What is the cost of living in Arlington?

The cost of living in Arlington is 42.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 57.7). Groceries are 9.2% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 10.6% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 2,458 per month. Local purchasing power index is 178.2 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 VA, United States · #67 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Arlington?

Q: Should I move to Arlington?

Arlington, VA, United States has a cost of living 42.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 57.7). It is ranked #67 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 178.2 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

42.3% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-42.3%

vs NYC

USD 2,458

1-BR, city centre

178.2

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Arlington?

Cost breakdown: Arlington

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

57.7 Expensive

Rent

59.4 Moderate

Groceries

90.8 Above average

Restaurants

89.4 Above average

Purchasing Power

178.2 Very strong

Rent in Arlington

1-BR, city centre USD 2,458/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,994/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 4,860/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 3,627/mo

Save by going outside centre 19% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Richmond

VA, United States

CoL index 54.8

Compare Richmond vs Arlington →

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