Arlington vs Roanoke
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Arlington
Roanoke
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 102.5%, with Roanoke being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Arlington has equivalent purchasing power to $37,043 in 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 $37,043 in Roanoke.
Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $151,852 in Arlington.
Living in Arlington vs Roanoke
Housing Costs
Arlington's housing index of 249 is higher Roanoke's 57, translating to median home prices of $740,000 vs $225,000. The $515,000 difference in home prices means roughly $33,480 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,350/mo in Arlington compared to $1,075/mo in Roanoke, a monthly difference of $1,275.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Arlington and 97 in Roanoke. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Arlington vs $461/month in Roanoke. Roanoke offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $516/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Arlington and 116 in Roanoke. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 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 117 in Arlington and 91 in Roanoke. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $145,000 in Arlington and $52,700 in Roanoke. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $88,415 and $65,062 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 $3,383/month to housing in Arlington vs $1,230/month in Roanoke. In Arlington, median rent of $2,350/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 192 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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