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Cost of Living in Arlington, VA (22219)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$27.71 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$115,272 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$9,885 / mo2.1x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Arlington (22219)

Evaluating relocation options in Arlington? The financial baseline for residing in Arlington, VA (22219) indicates that a single adult needs roughly $4,803 monthly to cover basic survival expenses.

Housing stands out as the primary financial pressure point in zip code 22219, consuming a substantial 37% of the average baseline budget ($1,773/month). Such high shelter costs signal a competitive rental and real estate market in Arlington, where prospective buyers and renters must exercise strict budgeting to avoid cost-burdened status.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Arlington (22219) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($4,803/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $115,272 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $27.71/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Arlington increase to $9,885 per month ($118,620/year)—approximately 2.1x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $165,124, local wages provide a 2.87x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $543 monthly in 22219, coupled with $428 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $900 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

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Total Monthly Cost$4,803Est. $57,630 / year
Housing / Rent$1,77336.9% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$379Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$165,124Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$1,773
Food$379
Transportation$543
Healthcare$428
Taxes$900
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Arlington (22219)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Arlington, VA (22219)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Arlington (22219) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $27.71/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Arlington (22219)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $115,272 to live comfortably in Arlington (22219).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Arlington (22219)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Arlington (22219) are $9,885 per month ($118,620 per year).