Factors influencing moving costs from San Antonio to Arlington
What to know before moving from San Antonio to Arlington
Moving from San Antonio to Arlington comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Arlington is generally more expensive than San Antonio, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Antonio | Arlington | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,496 | $2,718 |
Average home value | $249,398 | $810,670 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,451 | $128,145 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,194 | $6,867 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,931 | $11,970 |
Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Arlington are 82% higher than in San Antonio, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in San Antonio.
Home prices in Arlington are 225.1% higher than in San Antonio. - Income in Arlington is 105.2% higher than in San Antonio, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Arlington include U.S. Department of Defense, Safran, and BAE Systems.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Arlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 213.0% higher than in San Antonio. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 142.7% higher than in San Antonio.
- The unemployment rate in Arlington is 5.26% higher than in San Antonio.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Arlington, since the cityโs sales taxes in Arlington are 27.27% lower than in San Antonio.
- State income taxes in Arlington are 5.75% higher than in San Antonio.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,389.70 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Antonio.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. Arlington
Arlington | San Antonio | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,643 | 1,434,625 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 71 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 45 |
Crime Index | 15.67 | 48.06 |
Safety Index | 79.15 | 51.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Arlington's population is about 83% less than San Antonio.
- Arlington's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus San Antonio's lower score of 6.
- Arlington is more walkable than San Antonio with a score of 71 out of 100 vs San Antonio's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than San Antonio, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Arlington's crime rate is lower than San Antonio with a score of 15.67 compared to San Antonio's 48.06. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06%.
- Arlington is considered to be safer than San Antonio with a safety index of 79.15 vs San Antonio's 51.94.
- Air quality in Arlington is good, and in San Antonio it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Antonio vs. Arlington move
- Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Virginia doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Arlington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Arlington
With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Barcroft
- Dominion Hills
- Forest Glen
- Lyon Village
- Penrose
Things to do in Arlington
Now that you've made the move to Virginia, itโs the perfect time to explore Arlington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Arlington, such as the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Antonio to Arlington?
The best time to move from San Antonio to Arlington is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Antonio.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Antonio to Arlington?
Because most people are moving from San Antonio to Arlington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from San Antonio to Arlington take?
The 1,598-mile move from San Antonio, TX, to Arlington, VA, takes four to 15 days. Some San Antonio movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Arlington.