Cost of Living in Arlington, WA

With a cost of living index of 133, Arlington, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 33% more expensive than the national average and 14% above the Washington state average of 119. Arlington is a smaller community of 20,599 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Arlington's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,764 (34% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $492,600 (62% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Arlington is $84,919, which is 13% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Arlington. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.4°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches spread over roughly 178 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.