Question 1

Is Arlington or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $79/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $1,713/mo in Virginia Beach.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $79,000/year in Virginia Beach, VA — a difference of about $3,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Virginia Beach cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Virginia Beach, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,055/month in Arlington and $9,897/month in Virginia Beach, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Virginia Beach costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington71	Virginia Beach75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$4,198
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$9,897
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$79,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$1,713
Median home value	$276,400	$366,300
Median household income	$73,519	$90,685
Unemployment	4.7%	3.7%
Housing score	57	72
Jobs score	51	55
Safety score	65	93
Climate score	94	96
Amenities score	73	38
Population	394.8K	457.1K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	88° / 32°

Arlington, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA