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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,438 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $2,322 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $46.88 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here
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Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$2,438
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
36% more than in Virginia
Typical rent
$2,322
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
47% more than in Virginia
Wage needed
$46.88
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $97,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
40%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
17% less than in Virginia

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in Arlington County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. At $2,322, Arlington County ranks 2nd among the 133 counties in Virginia for the highest typical rent.

  2. At $142,114, Arlington County ranks 4th among the 133 counties in Virginia for the highest typical household income.

  3. Arlington County has the highest typical rent in its area: $2,322, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Fairfax County ($2,276).

  4. At 41%, Arlington County ranks 5th among the 133 counties in Virginia for the lowest homeownership rate.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Arlington County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Arlington County was $2,680 a month in September 2026: 1.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $2,111 $40.60 $84,440
1 bedroom $2,204 $42.38 $88,160
2 bedrooms $2,438 $46.88 $97,520
3 bedrooms $3,107 $59.75 $124,280
4 bedrooms $3,658 $70.35 $146,320

HUD area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 11 ZIP codes in Arlington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,310 in 22205 to $3,660 in 22202. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,438).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

  • 22201 $3,660$4,660
  • 22202 $3,660$4,660
  • 22203 $3,450$4,400
  • 22204 $2,400$3,060
  • 22205 $2,310$2,940
  • 22206 $3,190$4,070
  • 22207 $2,810$3,580
  • 22209 $3,020$3,850
  • 22211 $3,040$3,870
  • 22213 $2,820$3,520
  • 22214 $2,780$3,540

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Arlington County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

40%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

65,806 households rent in Arlington County

  • Spend half or more of their income 20%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
  • Spend less than 30% 60%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Arlington 40%
  • Virginia 49%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Arlington County

HUD lists 64 properties with homes for low-income households in Arlington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC)
51
HUD-assisted
17

7,516 homes in all; 6,051 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Gates of Ballston Tax credit (LIHTC) 4108 4th St N, Arlington 22203 464 homes, 357 low-income · In service since 2008 · For families
  • Claridge House HUD-assisted 1500 S Fern St, Arlington 22202 302 homes, 300 low-income · For families · (703) 521-9100
  • Woodland Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 610 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington 22204 235 low-income homes · Studio: 40 · 1 bd: 159 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2015 · For older adults · (703) 931-5700
  • Historic Ballston Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 351 N Glebe Rd, Arlington 22203 512 homes, 233 low-income · In service since 2001 · For families
  • Woodbury Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2399 11th St N, Arlington 22201 364 homes, 204 low-income · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 187 · 2 bd: 130 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • Arbor Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 831 S Frederick St, Arlington 22204 198 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For families
  • Columbia Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 5100 8th Rd S, Arlington 22204 199 homes, 189 low-income · Studio: 14 · 1 bd: 78 · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2001 · For families
  • Carlin Tax credit (LIHTC) 4300 N Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington 22203 162 homes, 161 low-income · 1 bd: 153 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
  • Columbia Hills West Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 S Frederick St, Arlington 22204 132 low-income homes · Studio: 48 · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Columbia Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 1018 S Frederick St, Arlington 22204 208 homes, 130 low-income · In service since 2010 · For families
  • Quebec Tax credit (LIHTC) 1018 S Quebec St, Arlington 22204 172 homes, 129 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 82 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families
  • Arlington Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington 22204 122 homes, 121 low-income · In service since 2014 · For families
  • Marbella Tax credit (LIHTC) 1301 N Queen St, Arlington 22209 134 homes, 120 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2000 · For families
  • Westover Tax credit (LIHTC) 5805 16th St N, Arlington 22205 153 homes, 119 low-income · In service since 2011 · For families
  • Courthouse Crossings Tax credit (LIHTC) 1410 N Scott St, Arlington 22209 112 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
  • Buchanan Gardens Apt Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 926 S Buchanan St, Arlington 22204 111 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For families
  • Berkeley Tax credit (LIHTC) 2910 S Glebe Rd, Arlington 22206 137 homes, 110 low-income · Studio: 23 · 1 bd: 57 · 2 bd: 55 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2002 · For families
  • Patrick Henry Tax credit (LIHTC) 6158 Wilson Blvd, Arlington 22205 110 low-income homes · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families
  • Monterey (arlington County) Tax credit (LIHTC) 811 S Greenbrier St, Arlington 22204 109 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
  • Frederick at Courthouse Tax credit (LIHTC) 2230 Fairfax Dr, Arlington 22201 108 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
  • Tripod Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 5125 Columbia Pike, Arlington 22204 103 low-income homes · 1 bd: 57 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Arna Valley View Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 25th St S, Arlington 22206 101 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2004 · For families
  • Harvey Hall Tax credit (LIHTC) 850 S Greenbrier St, Arlington 22204 116 homes, 100 low-income · Studio: 13 · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2007 · For families
  • Lockwood House HUD-assisted 600 N Madison St, Arlington 22203 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (703) 538-6000
  • Madison at Ballston Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 4400 4th St N, Arlington 22203 100 low-income homes · In service since 2010 · For families
  • Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 N Thomas St, Arlington 22203 104 homes, 98 low-income · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • Clarendon Court (arlington) Tax credit (LIHTC) 3815 7th St N, Arlington 22203 103 homes, 97 low-income · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Columbia Hills East Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 S Frederick St, Arlington 22204 97 low-income homes · Studio: 16 · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2018 · For families
  • Parc Rosslyn Tax credit (LIHTC) 1531 N Pierce St, Arlington 22209 238 homes, 96 low-income · In service since 2009 · For families
  • Shelton Tax credit (LIHTC) 3215 24th St S, Arlington 22206 94 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families
  • Colonial Village (TROY) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1702 N Troy St, Arlington 22201 114 homes, 92 low-income · In service since 2013 · For families
  • Buckingham Village Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 N Thomas St, Arlington 22203 92 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For families
  • Gilliam Place West Tax credit (LIHTC) 3507 Columbia Pike, Arlington 22204 90 low-income homes · Studio: 17 · 1 bd: 73 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Jordan Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 N Wakefield St, Arlington 22203 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Gilliam Place East Tax credit (LIHTC) 3507 Columbia Pike, Arlington 22204 83 low-income homes · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Shell Tax credit (LIHTC) 5511 Columbia Pike, Arlington 22204 83 low-income homes · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2014 · For families
  • Fort Henry Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 2480 S Lowell St, Arlington 22206 82 low-income homes · 2 bd: 65 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2003 · For families
  • Union on Queen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 16th St N, Arlington 22209 193 homes, 78 low-income · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 97 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • Lenox Club Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 12th St S, Arlington 22202 385 homes, 77 low-income · In service since 1991 · For families
  • Arlington View Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1735 14th Rd S, Arlington 22204 77 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 66 · In service since 2003 · For families · (703) 521-4010
  • Hunters Park at Cherrydale Tax credit (LIHTC) 2021 N Nelson St, Arlington 22207 74 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For older adults
  • Culpepper Garden III HUD-assisted 4435 N Pershing Dr, Arlington 22203 73 low-income homes · For older adults · (703) 528-0162
  • Virginia Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1706 S Taylor St, Arlington 22204 76 homes, 72 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1997 · For families
  • Colonial Village West Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2111 Key Blvd, Arlington 22201 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2019 · For families · (703) 524-1337
  • Larkspur Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 N Cleveland St, Arlington 22201 76 homes, 69 low-income · In service since 2014 · For families
  • Fisher House II Tax credit (LIHTC) 5717 Washington Blvd, Arlington 22205 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 53 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2019 · For families
  • Culpepper Garden II HUD-assisted 4435 N Pershing Dr, Arlington 22203 63 low-income homes · For older adults · (703) 528-0162
  • Whitefield Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 204 N Thomas St, Arlington 22203 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For families · (703) 528-7751
  • Elmwood House HUD-assisted 550 N Madison St, Arlington 22203 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (703) 538-6000
  • Buckingham Village Parcel B Tax credit (LIHTC) 4301 N Pershing Dr, Arlington 22203 48 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For families
  • Colonial Village (18th) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2115 18th St N, Arlington 22201 48 homes, 37 low-income · In service since 2013 · For families
  • Knightsbridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 N Glebe Rd, Arlington 22203 37 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
  • Macedonia Tax credit (LIHTC) 2229 S Shirlington Rd, Arlington 22206 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Fisher House Tax credit (LIHTC) 1111 N Kenilworth St, Arlington 22205 33 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
  • Leckey Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 2037 N Woodrow St, Arlington 22207 40 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 25 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2003 · For families
  • The Terraces at Arlington View Apartments HUD-assisted 1420 S Rolfe St, Arlington 22204 30 low-income homes · For families · (703) 521-4010
  • Colonial Village Commons HUD-assisted 1750 N Troy St, Arlington 22201 72 homes, 22 low-income · For families · (301) 758-9104
  • Calvert Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1927 N Calvert St, Arlington 22201 23 homes, 15 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1999 · For families
  • Summer Hill HUD-assisted 1508 N Rolfe St, Arlington 22209 14 low-income homes · For families · (703) 524-1337
  • Vaughn Ball Group Home HUD-assisted 1710 N Glebe Rd, Arlington 22207 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (703) 276-9453
  • Nelson Cheshire Home HUD-assisted 1911 S Nelson St, Arlington 22204 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (703) 920-8984
  • Cleveland Cheshire Home HUD-assisted 101 S Cleveland St, Arlington 22204 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (703) 553-9546
  • Roosevelt Street Group Home HUD-assisted 2027 N Roosevelt St, Arlington 22205 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (703) 241-7943
  • South 7th Street Group Home HUD-assisted 5215 7th St S, Arlington 22204 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (703) 671-6939

4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Arlington County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Arlington County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. HUD

  2. Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$34,900 $58,150 $74,800
$39,900 $66,450 $85,450
$44,900 $74,750 $96,150
$49,850 $83,050 $106,800
$53,850 $89,700 $115,350
$57,850 $96,350 $123,900
$61,850 $103,000 $132,450
$65,850 $109,650 $141,000

Area median income: $166,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $1,900 – $2,322
  • 1 bedroom $1,984 – $2,424
  • 2 bedrooms $2,194 – $2,682
  • 3 bedrooms $2,796 – $3,418
  • 4 bedrooms $3,292 – $4,024

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Housing agencies in Virginia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Virginia

What Virginia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

How much can they charge for a deposit?
Up to 2 months of rent
Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
When must they return my deposit?
45 days
Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
14 days
Va. Code §55.1-1245(F)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
30 days
Va. Code §55.1-1253(A)
  • Only a court order can remove youVa. Code §55.1-1252
  • Protection from retaliationVa. Code §55.1-1258(A)
  • Repair and deduct from the rentVa. Code §55.1-1244.1(C)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Arlington County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Arlington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • Latino Economic Development Corporation - Branch

    2300 Wilson Blvd, Arlington · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Workshops for new owners
    • and 2 more
    (703) 527-3854
See every agency in Virginia Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Arlington County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Virginia, the average home bill was $149 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$4,876

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$2,438
Security deposit
$2,438
Total
$4,876

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

  • Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
  • On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
  • Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Arlington County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $2,111; 1 bedroom: $2,204; 2 bedrooms: $2,438; 3 bedrooms: $3,107; 4 bedrooms: $3,658. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Arlington County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,438) without spending more than 30% of income takes $46.88 an hour full time, or $97,520 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Arlington County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $83,050 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Arlington County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $2,194 and $2,682 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Arlington County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,310 in 22205 to $3,660 in 22202. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Arlington County?

HUD lists 64 properties with homes for low-income households in Arlington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Arlington County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Arlington County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).