Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Alexandria is 43% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,031/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 24%
$113,638/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 29%
$696,800 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 38%
$2,173/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 25%
156,788
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $32,549/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Alexandria or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $32,549/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Ann Arbor

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford