59
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Arlington wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Virginia Beach wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Virginia Beach is more affordable
💼 Virginia Beach has lower unemployment
🛡️ Virginia Beach has fewer disasters
📋 Arlington vs Virginia Beach — The Verdict
Arlington scores 59/100 compared to Virginia Beach's 72.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Virginia Beach has a clear edge with home prices 59% lower. Virginia Beach may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Virginia Beach are 59% lower — a difference of $489,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Virginia Beach saves you $659/month — that's $7,908 per year.
💵
Households in Arlington earn $49,843 more per year (57% higher median income).
🌬️
Arlington has cleaner air with an AQI 18 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$833,300
$343,700
Median Rent /mo
$2,227
$1,568
Median Income
$137,387
$87,544
The affordability gap is significant — Virginia Beach offers home prices 59% lower than Arlington, translating to $489,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
3.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
5 Good
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Arlington wins on air quality with an AQI 18 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
11
9
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach: Common Questions
Is Arlington or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Virginia Beach is more affordable overall. Home prices are $489,600 lower in Virginia Beach. Monthly rent is $1,568 in Virginia Beach vs $2,227 in Arlington.
Does Arlington or Virginia Beach have better weather?
Virginia Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Arlington or Virginia Beach better for finding a job?
Virginia Beach currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Arlington vs 3.6% in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $137,387 in Arlington and $87,544 in Virginia Beach.
Which city is safer — Arlington or Virginia Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Virginia Beach is safer. Arlington has had 11 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Virginia Beach. Arlington scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Virginia Beach.
Should I move from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
Based on our data, Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 vs Arlington's 59.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Virginia Beach is more affordable, while Virginia Beach has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.