Arlington vs Concord
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Arlington
Concord
The Verdict
Living in Arlington costs 4.0% less than Concord. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Arlington, you would need $78,125 in Concord.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Arlington has the same purchasing power as $78,125 in Concord.
Conversely, $75,000 in Concord equals $72,000 in Arlington.
Living in Arlington vs Concord
Housing Costs
Arlington's housing index of 86 is lower Concord's 110, translating to median home prices of $260,000 vs $340,000. The $80,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,196 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,300/mo in Arlington compared to $1,375/mo in Concord, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Arlington and 101 in Concord. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Arlington vs $480/month in Concord. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 99 in Arlington and 110 in Concord. Monthly utility bills average approximately $396 in Arlington vs $440 in Concord. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 100 in Arlington and 113 in Concord. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 13-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $60,138 in Arlington and $84,900 in Concord. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $62,644 and $84,900 respectively. Concord residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,403/month to housing in Arlington vs $1,981/month in Concord. In Arlington, median rent of $1,300/mo fits within this budget. In Concord, median rent of $1,375/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 24 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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