Living in Arlington or Falls Church? Cost Breakdown

Arlington, VA vs. Falls Church, VA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

When deciding where to live in the Washington D.C. metro area, many people find themselves comparing Arlington and Falls Church. Both cities offer a high quality of life with easy access to the nation’s capital, but there are some key differences when it comes to cost of living. As we look ahead to 2025, which city gives you more bang for your buck – Arlington or Falls Church? Let’s dive into the numbers to find out.

For many relocating families and young professionals, the choice between Arlington and Falls Church comes down to space versus urban convenience. Arlington’s high-density neighborhoods put you closer to D.C.’s job centers and attractions, while Falls Church’s quieter residential areas provide more room to spread out. But in an era of rising prices, cost of living has become the central factor for many trying to decide between the two in 2025. We’ll compare housing, utilities, groceries, taxes and other key expenses to see which city comes out on top.

Housing Costs: Renting and Buying in Arlington vs. Falls Church

Housing is the biggest line item in most household budgets, and there are some notable differences between Arlington and Falls Church. Costs in Arlington tend to be higher across the board due to its proximity to Washington D.C. and scarcity of available units. Expect to pay around $2,400 per month for a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Arlington, compared to roughly $2,100 in Falls Church.

For homebuyers, the gap is even wider. The median sale price for a 3-bedroom single-family home in Arlington hovers near $1.1 million, while similar properties in Falls Church fetch closer to $950,000. However, Falls Church has a higher proportion of owner-occupied housing, so competition among buyers can be fierce.

What does this mean for different types of residents? Young renters will likely find more affordable options in Falls Church, with potential savings of $300 per month on a 2-bedroom compared to Arlington. For families looking to buy, the lower purchase prices in Falls Church could translate to significant mortgage savings over time, although inventory may be tighter.

Overall, Falls Church gets the edge on housing costs, especially for budget-conscious renters and homebuyers willing to trade a bit of commute time for lower prices. But for those who place a premium on urban access and amenities, Arlington’s steeper costs may be worth it.

Keeping the Lights On: Utility and Energy Expenses

After housing, utilities are the next major cost center for most households. Both Arlington and Falls Church residents can expect to pay around $150-200 per month for a typical family’s energy needs, including electricity, natural gas, and water/sewer. Costs tend to be a bit higher in Arlington due to the prevalence of older, less-efficient housing stock.

Seasonal spikes are common in both cities, with summer air conditioning and winter heating adding $50 or more to monthly bills. Enrolling in off-peak and energy-saver programs through Dominion Energy can help offset these costs. Smaller households and those in newer construction will generally pay less than larger families in aging homes.

While utility costs are broadly similar between the two cities, Falls Church may offer slight savings thanks to its newer housing and smaller footprint. But with both cities subject to the same regional energy market, it’s largely a toss-up. Household size and home age are bigger factors than location.

Groceries and Dining Out

Feeding a family is a major expense no matter where you live, but there are some differences in how far your food budget will stretch in Arlington versus Falls Church. Groceries tend to cost about 5% less in Falls Church, thanks to the presence of more large-format supermarkets and discount clubs. Expect to pay around $80 for a cart full of staples like bread, milk, eggs, produce and meat in Falls Church, compared to $85-90 for the same haul in Arlington.

Dining out is a bit more of a mixed bag. Arlington boasts a wider selection of high-end restaurants where a nice dinner for two can easily run $100 or more. But it also has a diverse array of casual eateries and cheaper ethnic cuisine. In Falls Church, most sit-down restaurants cluster in the mid-priced range, with dinner tabs averaging $60-80 for a couple.

At the end of the day, food costs come down more to individual habits than location. Savvy shoppers who stick to discount stores and cook at home will likely save more in Falls Church. But foodies willing to splurge on occasional nice meals out may prefer Arlington’s restaurant scene. It’s a highly personal choice.

The Tax Man Cometh: Comparing Tax Rates and Fees

Taxes are an unavoidable fact of life, and they can take a serious bite out of your budget. The good news for Arlington and Falls Church residents is that Virginia’s tax rates are generally lower than in neighboring D.C. or Maryland. But there are still some notable differences between the two cities.

Falls Church has the lowest property tax rate in the region at just $1.23 per $100 of assessed value. For a median-priced $950,000 home, that translates to an annual tax bill of about $11,700. Arlington’s rate is a bit higher at $1.03 per $100, but with steeper home values, the typical tax hit is closer to $13,400 per year for a $1.1 million property.

Both cities tack on additional personal property taxes for vehicles, plus various local fees for trash collection, water, sewer, and more. Car taxes in Falls Church are 4.13% of assessed value compared to 5% in Arlington. For other nickel-and-dime fees, the two cities are largely comparable, with Arlington slightly higher. Renters can expect some of these costs to be baked into their monthly rent.

Purely from a tax perspective, Falls Church offers a better deal, especially for homeowners. Over the course of a 30-year mortgage, the lower property tax rate could save Falls Church residents tens of thousands compared to their Arlington counterparts. But for renters, the difference is much smaller, and may be outweighed by other quality-of-life factors.

Tallying It All Up: Monthly Cost of Living

So what’s the bottom line? When we add it all up, the numbers show that living in Falls Church is about $500 per month cheaper than Arlington for a typical household, which equates to $6,000 in savings per year. The biggest drivers are lower housing and tax costs in Falls Church, while Arlington is pricier across most categories aside from transportation.

Of course, these figures are estimates based on average costs for a 2-bedroom rental or 3-bedroom home. Your actual monthly expenses may be higher or lower depending on your specific housing situation, household size, consumption habits and lifestyle. Use this as a general benchmark, but be sure to run the numbers for your own unique scenario.

Methodology: Estimates reflect 2025 costs for a mid-size household (2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom home) using published regional data and projections. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood. All income figures expressed as gross monthly amounts.

Lifestyle and Location Factors

While cost is a key consideration, it’s not the only factor in choosing between Arlington and Falls Church. Lifestyle and location also play a big role, and this is where the two cities really diverge.

Arlington is ideal for those who value urban amenities and shorter commutes. Located just across the Potomac from D.C., Arlington offers easy access to the district via metro, bus, bike or even walking. The typical Arlington resident spends just 30 minutes getting to work. The city also boasts a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, ample shopping, tons of recreational activities, and a diverse, highly educated population.

Falls Church, on the other hand, is better suited for those seeking a quieter, more residential experience. Located about 8 miles west of Arlington, Falls Church has a small-town feel, with tree-lined streets, tight-knit neighborhoods, and highly ranked schools. Over 90% of Falls Church residents own their homes. But the trade-off is a longer commute, with most working adults spending 45 minutes or more getting to their jobs in the district.

Interestingly, these lifestyle factors also impact cost of living in indirect ways. Arlington’s walkability and robust transit network mean many residents can get by without a car, saving on vehicle costs. Falls Church’s newer housing stock tends to be more energy-efficient, lowering utility bills. Buyers in Arlington pay a premium for location, while Falls Church offers more house for the money. Consider these nuances as you weigh the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington more affordable than Falls Church in 2025?
No, Falls Church is generally more affordable than Arlington in 2025. Housing costs, taxes, and groceries all tend to be cheaper in Falls Church, while Arlington is pricier across most categories. The typical household can expect to save about $500 per month living in Falls Church compared to Arlington.

Are rental prices lower in Arlington or Falls Church?
Rental prices are lower in Falls Church than Arlington. As of 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $2,100 per month in Falls Church, compared to $2,400 for a similar unit in Arlington. Renters can save about $300 per month by choosing Falls Church over Arlington.

How do grocery costs compare between Arlington and Falls Church?
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Falls Church than Arlington. A typical basket of staples like milk, bread, eggs and produce costs around $80 in Falls Church compared to $85-90 in Arlington. Falls Church has more large supermarkets and discount stores, while Arlington has more specialty grocers and small markets.

Are property taxes higher in Falls Church than in Arlington?
No, property taxes are actually lower in Falls Church than Arlington. As of 2025, the property tax rate in Falls Church is just $1.23 per $100 of assessed value, compared to $1.33 per $100 in Arlington. For a median-priced home, that equates to about $1,700 per year in savings for Falls Church homeowners.

What is the average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Arlington vs. Falls Church?
As of 2025, the average monthly cost of living for a family of four is estimated to be $4,780 in Arlington compared to $4,290 in Falls Church, a difference of nearly $500 per month or $6,000 per year. Housing, taxes, and groceries account for most of the gap, while transportation costs are lower in Arlington due to greater walkability and transit access.

Making Your Move: Arlington or Falls Church?

Both Arlington and Falls Church have much to offer those looking to live in the Washington D.C. area, but the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. If you value urban amenities, shorter commutes, and don’t mind paying a bit more for housing, Arlington could be the right fit. But if you’re looking to stretch your dollar further and prefer a quieter, more residential lifestyle, Falls Church is probably the better bet.

Regardless of which city you choose, it pays to plan ahead and budget carefully, especially with costs on the rise. Work with a knowledgeable local real estate agent to find the right home for your needs and price point. Hire reputable movers and coordinate your relocation well in advance. And most importantly, take your time, do your research, and don’t rush into a decision. With the right preparation, you can make a smooth transition to your new home in Arlington, Falls Church, or wherever your next chapter takes you.