Arlington vs London
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Arlington
London
The Verdict
Arlington is 16.5% less expensive than London overall. A household earning $75,000 in Arlington would need approximately $89,844 in London to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $89,844 in London.
Conversely, $75,000 in London equals $62,609 in Arlington.
Living in Arlington vs London
Housing Costs
Arlington's housing index of 86 is lower London's 162, translating to median home prices of $260,000 vs $695,000. The $435,000 difference in home prices means roughly $28,272 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,300/mo in Arlington compared to $2,400/mo in London, a monthly difference of $1,100.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Arlington and 92 in London. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Arlington vs $437/month in London. 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 112 in London. Monthly utility bills average approximately $396 in Arlington vs $448 in London. 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 78 in London. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 22-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 $55,000 in London. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $62,644 and $47,826 respectively. Arlington residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,403/month to housing in Arlington vs $1,283/month in London. In Arlington, median rent of $1,300/mo fits within this budget. In London, median rent of $2,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 76 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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