Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Alexandria is 31% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,031/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 23%
$113,638/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 42%
$696,800 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 73%
$2,173/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 19%
156,788
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $47,662/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Alexandria or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Bellevue?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Bellevue?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $47,662/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Bellevue

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet