City Comparison

Arlington vs Virginia Beach: How they compare

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $370K), a difference of about $380K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 22 in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M+.

Arlington

VA

Virginia Beach

VA

Median Price

$750K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

10 days

22 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$175K–$2M+

Top Neighborhoods

Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City

Oceanfront, Town Center, Great Neck, Kempsville

VA

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VA

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Related Comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Virginia Beach more affordable?

Virginia Beach is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Virginia Beach prices range from $175K–$2M+.

How do Arlington and Virginia Beach compare?

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city, offering oceanfront living, a thriving resort economy, and proximity to major military installations. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated June 2026.

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Arlington vs Virginia Beach: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover