How Much Does It Cost to Live in Arlington, MA?

The biggest cost of living in Arlington is housing, and the numbers are clear. The median sale price over the last 90 days was $1,165,000, and the median active list price today is $1,149,000. Everything else in your budget sits on top of that number.

What Housing Actually Costs Right Now

Here's the snapshot from MLS PIN data as of October 8, 2026:

• Median sale price (last 90 days): $1,165,000
• Median active list price: $1,149,000
• Average days on market: 20
• Homes sold in the last 90 days: 111
• Active listings right now: 75

The sold median sits above the current list median. That doesn't prove every home goes over asking, but it tells you closed deals are not coming in at a discount.

The pace matters too. With 111 sales in 90 days, Arlington absorbs about 37 homes a month. Against 75 active listings, that's roughly 2 months of supply. Homes that are priced right move in about 3 weeks.

Turning the Price Into a Monthly Number

A purchase price is not a cost of living. Your monthly payment is. At the $1,165,000 median, a 20% down payment works out to $233,000, leaving a loan of about $932,000.

Your actual payment depends on your rate, loan term and down payment. Plug your own numbers into the mortgage calculator rather than trusting a rule of thumb.

Then add the costs that don't show up in a list price:

• Property taxes. Arlington sets its own residential tax rate each fiscal year. Check the current rate with the Arlington assessor's office or on the Arlington town page before you budget.
• Homeowners insurance. Quotes vary by age of the home, roof and coverage level. Get a real quote early in your search.
• Maintenance. Much of Arlington's housing stock is older. Budget for systems, roofs and windows, and read your inspection report closely.
• Utilities and heating. Older homes with oil or older gas systems can cost more to heat in a New England winter.

How to Pressure-Test Your Budget

I tell buyers to work backward. Start with the monthly payment you're comfortable carrying, then find the price that fits, not the other way around.

In a market moving at 20 days on market, you won't have weeks to run the math after you find a house. Get pre-approved, know your tax and insurance estimates, and set your ceiling before you tour. For broader demographic and household data, the town data explorer pulls Census figures for Arlington.

Bottom Line

Living in Arlington starts with a home price around $1.15 million to $1.17 million, plus taxes, insurance and upkeep that you should verify locally. The market moves fast, so do your budget work before you shop. If you already own in Arlington and want to know where your home stands, Steve Bremis Realty Group's home value estimate is a good place to start.

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Data provided by MLS Property Information Network

Plato Asadov (Aflatun Asadov)
Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson, Lic. #9579004
Brokered by Steve Bremis Realty Group. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Phone: 617-302-7222 · Email: [email protected] · realestoria.com
Work with Plato · Get a home value estimate · Contact

This article was drafted with AI assistance from Plato's research tools and reviewed by Plato before publishing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed; it is general education, not advice for your specific situation.