Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Alexandria is 66% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,031/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 35%
$113,638/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 11%
$696,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 49%
$2,173/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 21%
156,788
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $12,831/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Alexandria or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Cambridge?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Cambridge?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $12,831/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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