Cost of Living in Arlington, MA

An Overview of Cost of Living in Arlington, MA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Arlington is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Arlington is 178, which is 78% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Arlington may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Arlington falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Arlington cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 216.1% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Everyday goods and services make up 33% of the cost of living index and include things like clothing, personal hygiene products and entertainment which are a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Unfortunately, Arlington goods and services are 21.6% more expensive than the national average, leaving you with less money at the end of the month.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Arlington?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 9 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Arlington. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 11% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 89% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Arlington Affordable?

Is Arlington affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Arlington, the median home price is 272.3% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 85% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Arlington boasting a median household income of $114,576, 107.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Arlington?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Arlington starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 5%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Arlington, healthcare costs are 12.9% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Arlington, the utilities index is 33.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Arlington cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.