Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Alexandria is 21% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,031/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 11%
$113,638/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$113,396/yr ≈ Same
$696,800 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 14%
$2,173/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 10%
156,788
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $242/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Arvada — common questions

Is Alexandria or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Arvada?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Arvada?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $242/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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