The Real Cost of Living in Arlington, MA (2026 Guide)

Arlington is widely recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in Greater Boston. It strikes a rare balance, offering the historic charm and walkability of a dense town while bordering the academic hub of Cambridge and the bustle of the city. But that popularity is not cheap. If you are thinking about buying a home in Arlington MA, you probably already know the cost of living sits well above the national average, often in the range of 40 to 50 percent higher.

The value proposition here is strong: you get direct access to the Red Line via Alewife, top-tier public services, and incredible community amenities like the Minuteman Bikeway. But to enjoy it, you need a realistic budget. This guide looks at the 2026 numbers in plain terms, including housing, taxes, childcare, and what you can expect to spend getting around each day.

For most residents, housing is the single largest line item in their budget. The market here is historically extremely competitive. Inventory is tight, and homes often go under agreement in under 20 days. 

While prices have risen roughly 10-20% year-over-year depending on the property type, single-family homes continue to command a significant premium over condos. Neighborhoods matter, too; a home in the "flats" of East Arlington (walkable to the T) might carry a higher price per square foot than a similar home in Arlington Heights, though the gap is narrowing as inventory tightens everywhere.

2026 Purchase Market Estimates:

If you aren't ready to buy, renting is the most common entry point into town. However, the rental market is just as competitive as the sales market. Inventory can be very tight, particularly for larger units suitable for households needing extra space or home offices. It is also important to note that many leases here revolve around the academic calendar, with the biggest turnover happening during the September 1st cycle.

Studio and one-bedroom units are expensive compared to the rest of the country, but they still offer a discount compared to downtown Boston or Cambridge. However, if you are looking for apartments for rent Arlington MA that have three bedrooms or more—often whole-house rentals—prices jump significantly.

Monthly Rent Estimates:

Once you secure a home, you need to budget for the recurring costs of ownership. Arlington relies heavily on residential property taxes to fund its services, including the police force, parks, and public schools. The tax rate is reset annually, and while the rate per thousand might fluctuate, rising property values usually mean the actual bill goes up.

For FY2025, the residential tax rate is set at $10.77 per $1,000 of assessed value. Additionally, Arlington has adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which adds a small surcharge to the tax bill to fund open space and historic preservation.

On the insurance front, homeowners insurance is generally reasonable compared to coastal storm areas like the Cape, but it remains an added monthly cost.

Annual Tax & Insurance Estimates:

When budgeting for a home here, do not overlook the cost of keeping the lights on and the house warm. Massachusetts has some of the highest electricity rates in the country. Furthermore, Arlington has a lot of older housing stock—beautiful historic colonials and multi-families that aren't always the most energy-efficient.

The biggest variable is winter heating. If your home relies on oil or natural gas, you will see a massive spike in your bills from December through March. Water and sewer bills are usage-based and billed quarterly. For connectivity, you have options like Comcast/Xfinity, RCN (Astound), and Verizon Fios, which helps keep internet pricing somewhat competitive.

Monthly Utility Estimates:

One of the main reasons people move here is the commute. Commuting from Arlington to Boston is relatively easy thanks to the proximity of Alewife Station (Red Line) and several major bus routes. If you take public transit, your costs are predictable.

However, if you drive, you need to factor in gas prices—which generally align with the state average of $3.10 to $3.50 per gallon—and vehicle maintenance due to stop-and-go traffic. Parking in Arlington is generally easier than in the city, but be aware of the overnight street parking ban.

New residents are often blindsided by the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. This is an annual tax on the value of your car, billed by the town.

Transportation Costs at a Glance:

Because Arlington is part of the affluent Greater Boston metro area, daily consumables tend to cost about 10-15% more than the national average. You have excellent access to major chains like Stop & Shop and Whole Foods, as well as a Trader Joe’s nearby in Arlington Heights.

The dining scene is vibrant, centered around Arlington Center, the Heights, and East Arlington. While you can find a quick slice of pizza, the restaurant scene reflects the upscale demographic, meaning a night out can add up quickly.

Food Budget Estimates:

For households with children, childcare is often the second-largest expense after housing. Massachusetts consistently ranks as having the highest childcare costs in the U.S., and Arlington is consistent with that trend. Spots at daycare centers are highly competitive, and waitlists are common, so it is smart to look into this well before you move.

The flip side is that the schools in Arlington MA are highly rated. This allows many residents to save the money they might otherwise spend on private school tuition, though that value is essentially baked into your property taxes.

Childcare Estimates:

Healthcare in Massachusetts is world-class, given the proximity to Boston’s renowned hospitals. Residents are required by state law to have health insurance. While the quality of care is high, premiums and out-of-pocket costs tend to run about 10-15% higher than national averages. Most professionals living in Arlington utilize employer-sponsored plans, but if you are self-employed, this is a significant budget line item to verify.

When weighing the costs, it helps to look at the surrounding towns.

The cost of living here includes a "lifestyle premium." You are paying for safety, walkability, and access. The good news is that many of the best amenities are free. The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is a recreational gem, and Spy Pond offers beautiful sunsets and walking paths. 

For culture, you have the historic Regent Theatre and the Capitol Theatre for movies and live events. While gym memberships and private recreation classes can be pricey, the town offers robust community programs that are more budget-friendly.

So, what does the bottom line look like? Financial experts generally recommend the 30% rule for housing costs.

For renters: A household income in the $90,000 to $120,000 range is usually what it takes to rent a modern one- or two-bedroom in Arlington without feeling stretched.

For buyers: The numbers climb quickly. A median home often sits above $1.1M, and when you add taxes and upkeep, many households need $220,000 or more in income to qualify with a typical down payment.

Yes, Arlington is expensive compared to the national average, with a cost of living index roughly 40-50% higher. The primary drivers are high housing costs and the general expense of goods and services in the Greater Boston area.

For the average homeowner, the annual property tax bill typically falls between $9,200 and $11,000. The FY2025 residential tax rate is $10.77 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Childcare is a significant expense, with full-time infant care costing between $2,200 and $3,000 per month. Preschool and toddler programs are slightly less but still average around $1,600 to $2,400 monthly.

Arlington is generally cheaper than downtown Boston or Cambridge, especially regarding price per square foot. While luxury rental prices are getting closer, you typically get more space, parking, and land in Arlington for your money.

As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the median price for a single-family home is between $1.1M and $1.25M. Condos are more affordable, generally ranging from $770,000 to $900,000.