Question 1

Is Arlington or Washington cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $414/month less than in Washington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $2,246/mo in Washington.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Washington?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $90,500/year in Washington, DC — a difference of about $15,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Washington cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, 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 $11,234/month in Washington, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Washington?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Arlington 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	Washington54
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$4,691
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$11,234
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$90,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$2,246
Median home value	$276,400	$724,600
Median household income	$73,519	$106,287
Unemployment	4.7%	6.1%
Housing score	57	35
Jobs score	51	7
Safety score	65	51
Climate score	94	100
Amenities score	73	73
Population	394.8K	672.1K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	88° / 29°

Arlington, TX vs Washington, DC