Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Arlington and Roanoke, Virginia. Using Virginia's 0.82% property tax rate and $1,700/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Roanoke is significantly more affordable than Arlington, with homes priced 70% lower on average. That translates to $3,441/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Virginia, Roanoke offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Virginia's 0.82% property tax rate.
Buying in Roanoke saves you approximately $3,441/month ($41,292/year) compared to Arlington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Roanoke is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $215K versus $725K in Arlington. That's $510K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $8K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Roanoke, compared to $25K in Arlington. Virginia offers the Virginia Housing DPA Grant program (Up to 2.5% grant) which applies in both cities.
Roanoke has the better price-to-rent ratio at 17.1x versus 23.7x in Arlington. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Roanoke is $1,050/month on a $215K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Arlington (pop. 238,643) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Roanoke (pop. 100,011) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Roanoke, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.