Cost of Living in Arlington, VA: What You’ll Really Spend in 2025

Arlington is considered moderately priced in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,950 per month. Overall living costs including housing, groceries, utilities and taxes are slightly higher than the national average.

Imagine you’ve just moved to Arlington, VA in 2025. As you settle into your new apartment and start exploring the neighborhood, the practical realities of budgeting for life in this vibrant D.C. suburb begin to set in. From the first trip to the grocery store to the monthly utility bills, it’s important to understand the true cost of living in Arlington to plan accordingly.

While Arlington offers a high quality of life with its walkable neighborhoods, robust job market, and proximity to the nation’s capital, it’s not the most affordable place to call home. Housing costs tend to be the biggest factor, with rents and home prices consistently above the national median. However, with some smart budgeting and lifestyle choices, many find that the benefits of living in Arlington are well worth the expense.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the major monthly expenses you can expect living in Arlington in 2025, from housing and utilities to groceries and taxes. Whether you’re a young professional, a couple, or a family of four, you’ll find realistic estimates to help you plan a comfortable monthly budget in Arlington.

Housing Costs in Arlington

As in most urban areas, housing is the largest expense for Arlington residents. The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Arlington is $1,950 per month as of 2025. If you’re looking to purchase a home, the median price for a 3-bedroom single-family house is $850,000, reflecting Arlington’s highly desirable location and limited housing inventory.

Rental and purchase prices can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some of the most expensive areas include Rosslyn, Ballston, and Clarendon, where you’ll find luxury high-rises and townhomes within walking distance to Metro stations, restaurants, and shops. Further out from the Orange Line corridor, neighborhoods like Douglas Park and Barcroft offer relatively more affordable single-family homes, though prices still exceed the national average.

In addition to base rent or mortgage payments, factor in extra housing costs like renter’s insurance (around $15/month), homeowner’s insurance (about $80/month), and HOA or condo fees which can range from $200-800/month depending on your building’s amenities. Utilities are often not included in rent.

Utility Costs in Arlington

While Arlington’s weather is relatively mild, you’ll still need to budget for heating and cooling costs, as well as other utility expenses like electricity, water, and trash collection. The average monthly utility bill for a 1000 sq ft apartment in Arlington is:

Keep in mind that utility costs can spike in summer and winter due to air conditioning and heating needs. Many Arlington residents report electric bills over $120 in July and August. Older buildings may be less energy-efficient, so consider that in your housing choice.

Groceries and Food in Arlington

Arlington offers a variety of grocery options, from major chains like Safeway and Trader Joe’s to local organic markets. According to city data, the average adult in Arlington spends around $400 per month on groceries. For a couple, a typical monthly grocery bill is about $750.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for common grocery items in Arlington:

Dining out is popular in Arlington, given the wide variety of restaurant options. A meal at a mid-range restaurant averages around $20 per person, while fast casual spots are closer to $12-15 per meal. Cook at home to keep your food budget in check.

Taxes in Arlington

As part of the Washington D.C. metro area, Arlington has a relatively high tax rate compared to the national average. The sales tax in Arlington is 6%, which applies to most goods and services. Groceries, prescription drugs, and some utilities are exempt.

Property taxes are a significant expense for homeowners in Arlington. The property tax rate is $1.013 per $100 of assessed value, among the highest in Virginia. For a home assessed at $800,000, annual property taxes would be over $8,000.

Virginia’s income tax ranges from 2-5.75% depending on income level and filing status. Arlington residents also pay federal income taxes.

Monthly Budget Summary

So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Arlington? Here are some sample monthly budgets for common household types, with all figures expressed as gross (pre-tax) income:

Methodology: These 2025 estimates for Arlington draw on publicly available national and regional sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Where city-specific figures are unavailable, safe regional ranges are applied (e.g., typical 2BR rents, grocery costs per adult). All amounts are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax) and rounded to whole dollars. Actual expenses vary by household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood choice.

Lifestyle Considerations

Of course, the cost of living is just one factor in deciding where to live. Arlington is a top choice for many due to its unique lifestyle benefits:

• Excellent public transit, with easy Metro access to D.C.
• Abundant parks, trails, and recreational facilities
• High-ranking public schools
• Safe, walkable neighborhoods
• Thriving dining and entertainment scene

While housing costs are high, Arlington residents save on transportation by relying on public transit, walking, and biking. Over 25% of residents commute via transit. Compared to other cities, Arlington’s transit system is efficient and comprehensive.

Arlington is also known for its strong job market and high median household income of $120,000, which helps offset the high costs. Many residents work for the federal government, government contractors, or in the thriving tech sector.

Ultimately, the decision to live in Arlington is a balance of budget, lifestyle priorities, and personal preferences. While it’s not the cheapest place to live, many find that the exceptional quality of life is worth the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it more expensive to live in Arlington or Washington D.C.?
  While both areas are pricey, Arlington tends to be slightly more affordable than D.C. proper. Housing costs about 10% less in Arlington, though still well above the national average.

• What salary do you need to live comfortably in Arlington?
  
  To afford a comfortable lifestyle in Arlington, a single person needs an annual gross income around $50,000 ($4,200/month). Couples should budget at least $75,000 and families $130,000+.

• Are utilities expensive in Arlington compared to other parts of Virginia?
  Utility costs in Arlington are about 10-15% higher than the Virginia average, mainly due to the urban density and high demand. However, many buildings include some utilities in rent.

• How much does the average family of four spend on groceries in Arlington?
  A family of four in Arlington typically spends $1,200-$1,400 per month on groceries, or about $300-350 per person. Smart shopping and cooking at home helps control food costs.

• Does Arlington have higher property taxes than neighboring counties?
  Yes, Arlington’s property tax rate of 1.013% is among the highest in Northern Virginia. Fairfax County’s rate is 1.035%, while Loudoun County is lower at 0.89%.