2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Somerville, MA vs Arlington, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arlington or is it cheaper to live in Somerville?
- Arlington is 13.5% more expensive than Somerville.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arlington or Somerville?
- Arlington housing costs are 4.4% less expensive than Somerville housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Somerville or is Health Care more affordable in Arlington.
- Health related expenses are 12.8% more in Arlington.
 Somerville, MAArlington, VAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock164.3100
 Food & Groceries114.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock100.6100
 Housing281.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$750,500$338,100
 Utilities114  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.5100
 Miscellaneous177.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Somerville    3 Reviews

I've lived in Somerville/Cambridge for 10 years, the last 4.5 with my husband in Spring Hill. It really is a great place to live if you are in your 20s & 30s: it is  More

   |    Reply

Living in Somerville is OK. I'm not a 'city' person and I would rather be out in the country some place, but it's not too bad here. I'm in my early 50s and own a house.  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

we are midwest transplants to the Boston area and lucked out by finding this great little neighborhood - right on the train line, little stores and good community - we  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Somerville

Reviews for Arlington    36 Reviews

Lived here 17 years, amazing  More

   |    Reply

Resident for 20 years. There is nothing hidden about Arlington. It is an affluent inner suburb of DC with a highly educated, mostly professional, population. The  More

   |    Reply

We've lived in Arlington for the past 7 years, and have enjoyed it but would prefer a less expensive, more open area. We live in a townhouse in Rosslyn, close to the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Arlington


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.