:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/GettyImages-639776350-4d7773bd3d3c4863a16f8867edd1458f.jpg)
Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most expensive places to retire in the U.S. right now due to its high housing costs, expensive healthcare, and steep tax rates. While often mistaken for a city, Arlington is actually the smallest self-governing county in the country, covering just under 26 square miles. It contains no incorporated towns or cities.
Despite its size, it packs in premium real estate, an abundance of services, and, unfortunately for retirees, a notably high cost of living. Here’s what to consider if you’re looking to retire in Arlington.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington’s median home value is $864,800—nearly three times the U.S. average—making housing a major cost burden for retirees.
- The main drivers behind Arlington’s high cost of living are the county’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its high living standards.
- Arlington offers a high quality of life in terms of healthcare, amenities, and public transportation options, but the overall cost of living is expensive.
Understanding the Costs
Located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington offers premium real estate for retirees, especially if you value being near national monuments, government affairs, and lots of business activity. However, living so close to important affairs has its costs.
Property Prices
Real estate values are significantly higher in Arlington compared to the rest of the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s median owner-occupied home value is $864,800. That’s over 2.8 times the U.S. median of $303,400. In other words, you could buy nearly three median U.S. homes for the price of one median Arlington home.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs increase as you age, so you must weigh them carefully when choosing a retirement home. Arlington’s healthcare costs are higher than the national average. For instance, the national average for a doctor visit is $143.77, while Arlington’s is $177.67.
That said, healthcare is relatively accessible in Arlington. Within the city’s nearly 26-square-mile area, there are 6 hospitals and 450 healthcare establishments. Furthermore, Arlington is about a 2-hour drive from UVA University Hospital in Charlottesville, which was ranked 49th in Newsweek’s 2025 World’s Best Hospital List.
Local Taxes
Arlington taxes can also take a big bite out of your retirement savings. The city has a median effective property tax rate of 0.8989% and a median annual property tax of $7,774. That’s over 4.1 times the U.S. average ($1,889). The state income tax is also graduated; for many residents, that means paying $720 plus 5.75% of any income over $17,000. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax, the average resident pays roughly $1,095 a month in taxes.
On the bright side, Virginia doesn’t have an estate or inheritance tax, so you can leave more to your heirs when you pass away (though your estate may be subject to a federal estate tax).
What Makes Arlington So Expensive?
The main drivers behind Arlington’s high cost of living are the county’s proximity to Washington, D.C. and its high living standards.
For example, many federal employees work in Washington, D.C., but live in Arlington, driving up the cost of local housing and services. Furthermore, over 25,000 federal employees work in Arlington itself, including at the Pentagon, the second-largest office building in the world.
Otherwise, Arlington’s cost of living is also high due to its many recreational and community amenities. The county has:
- 53.3 miles of multi-use off-street trails
- 164 county-owned and -maintained parks
- 13 community centers
- 86 basketball courts, 86 tennis courts, and 12 volleyball courts
- 8 libraries
- 9 fire stations
- 645 restaurants
That’s on top of all the dining, art, and entertainment just minutes away in Washington, D.C.
Retirement Considerations in Arlington, VA
When deciding whether to retire in Arlington, carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Pros: High Quality of Life and Healthcare
Arlington offers a high quality of life across healthcare, amenities, and public transportation options.
It is close to many top-rated hospitals, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. It’s also home to 126 arts and entertainment establishments, not to mention the Arlington National Cemetery.
Furthermore, it’s easy to get around in Arlington. Out of the 86 stations in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail system, 11 are located in Arlington while the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is just four miles away.
Cons: High Cost of Living and Housing
On the flip side, living in Arlington is expensive. With county median monthly housing costs at $2,414, monthly transportation costs at nearly $1,000, and monthly food costs at $865, it’s definitely not as affordable as other U.S. destinations.
Warning
The national median monthly housing cost is $1,338. Arlington’s median housing costs are almost twice as much.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, Arlington offers retirees a high quality of life in a well-connected urban environment, but it comes with a significant cost. Before committing to retiring in Arlington, make sure you can afford it and that it’s worth it to you. Otherwise, consider retiring in a nearby suburb that offers a better balance of affordability and amenities.
