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Cost of Living in Arlington

Is it better to rent or buy in Arlington? 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.

$154,187
$2,419/mo

Median in area: $2,419

$831,034

Median in area: $831,034

$166,207

If you Rent

🔑
$2,552 /mo
Base Rent$2,419
Est. Utilities$133
% of Income19.9%
Pre-tax Residual$10,297

If you Buy

🏠
$5,168 /mo
P&I (6.618%)$4,254
Taxes & Ins$781
Est. Utilities$133
% of Income40.2%
Pre-tax Residual$7,681

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Arlington?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Arlington. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,552, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $5,168 per month (a difference of $2,616).

How much do utilities cost in Arlington?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Arlington is approximately $133. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Arlington without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $102,080 per year.