The cost of living in Arlington, VA is high, mainly because of housing. Recent listings put an average one-bedroom apartment around $2,350 a month, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult with no children needs about $62,900 a year before taxes. Wider Washington-area prices are only about 9% above the U.S. average overall, but Arlington County rents and home prices sit well above that.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026. Figures are estimates from the sources linked in each section and will vary by neighborhood and household.
Quick Answer
- Rent: about $1,995 for a studio, $2,356 for a one-bedroom, $3,480 for a two-bedroom and $4,203 for a three-bedroom (Rentometer, February 2026).
- Single-adult income needed: roughly $62,933 a year before taxes (MIT Living Wage Calculator, 2026 data).
- Home prices: a median sale price of about $928,000 in April 2026 for Arlington County.
- Overall price level: the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro was about 8.9% above the U.S. average in 2024 (BEA Regional Price Parities), with housing the main driver.
Cost of Living in Arlington, VA at a Glance
The MIT Living Wage Calculator gives a useful baseline for a single adult with no children in Arlington County. The numbers below cover only the main categories, so they do not include every expense.
| Category | Per year | Per month (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $26,804 | $2,234 |
| Food | $5,608 | $467 |
| Transportation | $6,293 | $524 |
| Medical | $3,460 | $288 |
MIT puts the pre-tax living wage for one adult at $62,933 a year, or $30.26 an hour. With one child the figure rises to $124,775, and with two children to $181,289. Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, Arlington County.
Average Rent in Arlington, VA
Rent is the biggest line in most Arlington budgets. Rentometer reported these county averages in February 2026:
| Home size | Average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,995 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,356 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $4,203 |
Newer buildings near Metro stations in areas such as Clarendon, Rosslyn and Courthouse usually cost more. Older buildings and units farther from Metro cost less. Base rent often excludes parking, pet fees, application fees and utilities, so ask for a full move-in cost list.
How to Pay Less for Rent
- Share a two-bedroom instead of renting a one-bedroom alone.
- Look at older buildings and areas a few stops from the core.
- Compare rent per square foot, not only the monthly total.
- Ask what is included: parking, gym, trash and water can change the real cost.
Buying a Home in Arlington
Arlington is expensive for buyers. A Northern Virginia Magazine market report put the median sale price at $928,000 in April 2026, up 14.7% from a year earlier.
As an illustration only, a 20% down payment on $928,000 leaves a loan of about $742,400. At a 6.5% 30-year rate, principal and interest would be roughly $4,700 a month. Your rate, down payment and loan type will change this figure.
Add property tax, insurance, maintenance and any condo or HOA fees. Arlington County’s real estate tax rate was about $1.03 per $100 of assessed value in the most recent year, and the Board has advertised an increase of up to two cents for the following year, so check the current rate with the county before you make an offer.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities are a smaller cost than housing. For a typical one- or two-bedroom apartment, a reasonable planning range is about $150 to $300 a month for electricity, gas or heat, water and internet combined. This is our planning estimate, and your bill depends on apartment size, insulation, season and usage. Many buildings include some utilities in rent, so compare listings on a total-cost basis.
Groceries and Food
MIT’s baseline food cost for a single adult in Arlington County is $5,608 a year, or about $467 a month. Eating out, delivery and alcohol are not what that figure is built on, so a lifestyle with regular restaurant meals will cost more.
- Compare grocery chains and use store brands.
- Plan weekly meals to reduce waste.
- Buy staples such as rice, pasta and frozen vegetables in bulk.
Healthcare Costs
MIT’s medical estimate for a single adult is $3,460 a year, or about $288 a month. Your actual cost depends on your employer plan, premiums, deductible and providers. Check that your doctors are in network before you choose a plan, and use a flexible spending or health savings account if your employer offers one.
Transportation and Commuting
MIT estimates transportation for a single adult at $6,293 a year, or about $524 a month. Living near Metro can reduce or remove the need for a car. According to WMATA, Metrorail fares range from $2.25 to $6.75 on weekdays, and Metrobus regular fares are $2.25.
If you drive, add insurance, fuel, maintenance and parking. Paid or permit parking can be a significant extra cost near the core.
Entertainment, Services and Everyday Costs
After housing, food, transport and healthcare, everyday spending depends on your habits. Dining out, gym memberships, haircuts, pet care and entertainment add up, and urban prices in the DC area are generally higher than in smaller cities. Set a monthly category budget instead of relying on a single average.
How Much Income Do You Need in Arlington?
- Single adult, no children: about $62,933 a year before taxes at MIT’s baseline.
- One adult, one child: about $124,775 a year.
- One adult, two children: about $181,289 a year.
These are living-wage baselines, not comfort budgets. If you want to save, buy a home or live alone in a newer building, you may need considerably more.
Tips to Lower Your Cost of Living in Arlington
- Take a roommate or move a few stops from the core to cut rent.
- Live near Metro or a bus route to reduce car costs.
- Cook most meals at home and use discount grocers.
- Choose in-network healthcare providers.
- Review your internet, phone and insurance plans once a year.
Related Cost of Living Guides
Compare Arlington with Washington, DC, Baltimore and Virginia Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Arlington, VA?
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator puts the pre-tax income needed for a single adult with no children at about $62,933 a year. A comfortable budget with savings or a newer apartment will likely be higher.
Is Arlington, VA more expensive than the U.S. average?
Yes. BEA data show the Washington metro area about 8.9% above the national price level in 2024, and Arlington County housing costs are well above the national norm. Rent and home prices drive most of the difference.
What is the average rent in Arlington, VA?
Rentometer reported averages of about $1,995 for a studio, $2,356 for a one-bedroom, $3,480 for a two-bedroom and $4,203 for a three-bedroom in February 2026.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Arlington, VA?
The median sale price was about $928,000 in April 2026, according to a Northern Virginia Magazine market report. Prices vary by property type and neighborhood.
How can you save money while living in Arlington?
Share housing, choose an older building or a location farther from the core, use Metro or buses, cook at home and compare insurance and phone plans.
Conclusion
Arlington costs more than most U.S. places mainly because of housing. Start your budget with a specific rent or mortgage, then add food, transport, healthcare and savings. Use the figures above as planning estimates and compare them with current listings before you sign a lease or make an offer.
