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Cost of Living in Arlington County

Is it better to rent or buy in Arlington County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$156,279
$2,457/mo

Median in area: $2,457

$860,786

Median in area: $860,786

$172,157

If you Rent

🔑
$2,599 /mo
Base Rent$2,457
Est. Utilities$142
% of Income20.0%
Pre-tax Residual$10,424

If you Buy

🏠
$5,439 /mo
P&I (6.808%)$4,493
Taxes & Ins$804
Est. Utilities$142
% of Income41.8%
Pre-tax Residual$7,584

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Arlington County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyMontgomery County, MD
$2,345/mo
countyFalls Church City, VA
$2,318/mo
countyAlexandria City, VA
$2,217/mo
countyAlexandria City, VA
$2,256/mo
countyFairfax County, VA
$2,516/mo
countyDistrict of Columbia, DC
$1,987/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Arlington County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Arlington County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,599, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $5,439 per month (a difference of $2,840).

How much do utilities cost in Arlington County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Arlington County is approximately $142. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Arlington County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Arlington County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $103,960 per year.