Are you considering a move to Arlington, Virginia, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Arlington, Virginia is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Arlington, Virginia and help you understand whether $4571 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4797.88.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
17.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
77.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.67 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.49 $ |
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|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.58 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.22 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.95 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
4.98 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.4 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
16.63 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.9 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
16.77 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
4.95 $ |
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|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.77 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
3.97 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
6.06 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.8 $ |
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|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.16 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
3.03 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.92 $ |
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|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
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|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.74 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
8.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
90.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.34 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
14000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24466.67 $ |
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|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
187.02 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
60.56 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
60.0 $ |
|
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
14.0 $ |
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|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1641.67 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
27000.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
54.17 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
36.33 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
82.57 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
111.11 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2650.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1933.33 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
4233.33 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
3750.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
6741.8 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
4601.57 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4797.88 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.34 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Arlington, Virginia come to a total of approximately $4571. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2650 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $217 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1065 per month.
Living in Arlington, Virginia appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4797.88. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Arlington, Virginia, you would likely need an income exceeding $4797.88.
In Arlington, Virginia, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4797.88, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Arlington, Virginia is approximately $2650. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1933.33 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Arlington, Virginia can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $839 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Arlington has a low overall risk and is much safer than the District of Columbia. While it does have its share of crime, it's lower than the state and national averages in every category. Add to that all the things to do, and Arlington is a great choice for any visit to the nation's capital.
With Reagan National airport so close by, you can get to and from your hotel easily using the rail, bus, rental car, or taxi/rideshare. Amtrack is another option to get to other East Coast cities. DC's Metro comes to Arlington, and you have local options for Arlington Transit (ART) or DC Circulator. The city has a Capital Bikeshare program if you'd rather explore on two wheels. There's low risk with any option.
There's a medium risk here with 35 pickpockets and purse snatching reported in 2020. Each theft had an average value of $550, a good reminder to avoid carrying a lot of cash or valuables with you.
The biggest risks in Arlington would be major snowstorms or hurricane/tropical storms. Flooding is possible, and there's a slight earthquake risk. While overall, there's a low risk, be on high alert during the fall and winter. If a snow storm or hurricane is moving toward the region, you might have to reconsider your plans or lock yourself down in the hotel for a few days.
35% of the robberies in 2020 happened in public places, but the overall robbery rate is 40% lower than the national average. There's a low risk it will happen to you, but if it does, don't fight back against a robber. While it's not that common, it's not worth risking your life to protect a purse or mobile device.
Being the nation's capital and already being a target in 2001, there's a high risk here. Don't let that deter you, because there's also incredible security at all government locations, and Homeland Security is extra vigilant in this area. If you see anything suspicious, call (703)558-2222 to report it.
The Arlington County Police Department warns about common scams or new twists on old scams. While many of the specific scams will be focused on locals, you should still be wary of any deal that seems too good to be true. Never trust that an email or text warning of fraud is legitimate unless you can confirm separately with the financial institution. If you suspect a scam or have been a victim, call the police to report it at (703)228-4300.
The sexual assault rate is half the national average here, and there are many safe ways to get around. While you'll still need basic personal safety precautions, like avoiding walking around at night alone, there's overall a low risk for women. In fact, women are less likely to be victims of violent crime, with 37% of violent crimes happening against women.
The 2021 Water Quality Report for Arlington County shows no violations, and all standards were met or exceeded according to state and EPA laws.
You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work Visa to get through Customs at the airport. Interviews for visas are backed up in certain countries, so get your appointment early. You'll also need to provide a list of all the social media accounts you've used in the past five years. Be honest, even if you no longer use an account.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar in the Washington, D.C. area and surrounding states. You can exchange currency at the airport or at a local bank, but there's not a real need to carry cash here. If you are going to use an ATM, try to avoid using one in a public place for safety. Go inside a bank or store to use one instead.
You'll want to prepare for cold winters with insulated outwear and snow boots. While snow isn't always on the ground, there's a good chance there will be some kind of snow or ice in the heart of winter. Hurricane season heats up from August through October, so bring rain gear during that time. Arlington doesn't take direct hits but does get the tropical mess left over from storms. Winters will be warm and humid. They don't call it The Swamp just for political purposes, if you know what I mean.
Reagan National is right in Arlington, making for an easy trip to and from your hotel. One thing to note about Reagan National - the take-off is a little rough. Pilots must avoid the protected air space around the White House and the Capitol. There is an abrupt turn shortly after take-off. Just Google "Plans that violated White House air space" to see how a sitting Governor's plane was almost shot down by the military for violating air space. Dulles International Airport is about 30 minutes west of Arlington, and Baltimore/Washington Airport is about an hour northeast.
You should definitely consider travel insurance. If a winter storm shuts down one airport here, it will shut them all down, and you'll be unable to arrive or depart, possibly for days.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 43°F | 46°F | 56°F | 66°F | 75°F | 83°F | 87°F | 85°F | 78°F | 67°F | 56°F | 47°F |
| Temp | 35°F | 37°F | 46°F | 56°F | 65°F | 74°F | 78°F | 77°F | 70°F | 58°F | 48°F | 39°F |
| Low | 29°F | 31°F | 38°F | 47°F | 57°F | 65°F | 70°F | 69°F | 62°F | 50°F | 41°F | 33°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 6°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 23°C | 28°C | 30°C | 29°C | 25°C | 19°C | 13°C | 8°C |
| Temp | 1°C | 2°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 23°C | 25°C | 25°C | 21°C | 14°C | 8°C | 3°C |
| Low | -1°C | 0°C | 3°C | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C | 21°C | 20°C | 16°C | 10°C | 5°C | 0°C |