Salary & Cost of Living in Arlington, VA
Arlington, VA: $105,000 median salary, cost of living index 150, $12.41/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$105,000
$50/hr
Cost of Living
150
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$12.41
per hour
Unemployment
2%
rate
Arlington, VA Overview
Population
238,643
Median Salary
$105,000
Average Salary
$118,000
Avg Commute
30 min
Median Home Price
$680,000
Median Rent
$2,500/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
6%
Arlington is located in Virginia with a population of 238,643. The median household salary is $105,000 per year ($50/hour), which is $45,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
Arlington Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Arlington, VA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$76,216
$6,351.33/month · $2,931.38/biweekly · Effective Rate: 27.4%
Gross Pay
$105,000
Federal Tax
-$14,714
State Tax
-$6,038
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$8,033
Net Pay
$76,216
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $8,750.00 | $105,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$1,226.17 | -$14,714.00 |
| Virginia State Tax (5.75%) | -$503.13 | -$6,037.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$542.50 | -$6,510.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$126.88 | -$1,522.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $6,351.33 | $76,216.00 |
Salary Comparison: Arlington vs Other Cities
See how Arlington's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA | $105,000 | 150 | $70,000 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Irvine, CA | $105,000 | 175 | $60,000 |
| Naperville, IL | $105,000 | 118 | $88,983 |
| Cambridge, MA | $105,000 | 170 | $61,765 |
| Princeton, NJ | $105,000 | 155 | $67,742 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Arlington
Arlington's cost of living index is 150 (national average = 100). Living in Arlington is 50% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$680,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,500
Annual Rent Cost
$30,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $76,216 annual take-home pay in Arlington has the purchasing power of approximately $50,811 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $157,500 in Arlington to match a $105,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Arlington
Arlington's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $105,000.
Salary Tips for Arlington Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Arlington has a cost of living 50% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.75% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Arlington's top industries include Government, Technology, Consulting. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $105,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Arlington, VA?
The median salary in Arlington, VA is $105,000 per year, or $50 per hour. The average salary is $118,000. This is $45,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA?
Arlington's cost of living index is 150 (national average = 100), meaning it is 50% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $680,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,500.
What are the best industries in Arlington?
The top industries in Arlington, VA include Government, Technology, Consulting. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $105,000.
How does Arlington's salary compare to other cities?
Arlington's median salary of $105,000 is 76.8% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 150), the real purchasing power is approximately $70,000.
What is the minimum wage in Arlington, VA?
The minimum wage in Arlington, VA is $12.41 per hour. This equals approximately $25,813 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $5.16 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.