Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Alexandria is 36% more expensive than Allen.

$2,031/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 8%
$113,638/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 14%
$696,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 38%
$2,173/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 4%
156,788
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $15,492/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Allen — common questions

Is Alexandria or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Allen?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Allen?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $15,492/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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