Arlington vs Roanoke

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 $63,281 in Roanoke.

Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $88,889 in Arlington.

Living in Arlington vs Roanoke

Housing Costs

Arlington's housing index of 86 is higher Roanoke's 57, translating to median home prices of $260,000 vs $225,000. The $35,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,280 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,300/mo in Arlington compared to $1,075/mo in Roanoke, a monthly difference of $225.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 96 in Arlington and 97 in Roanoke. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Arlington vs $461/month in Roanoke. 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 116 in Roanoke. Monthly utility bills average approximately $396 in Arlington vs $464 in Roanoke. 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 91 in Roanoke. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 9-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 $52,700 in Roanoke. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $62,644 and $65,062 respectively. Roanoke 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 $1,230/month in Roanoke. In Arlington, median rent of $1,300/mo fits within this budget. In Roanoke, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 29 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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