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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Alexandria is 57% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,031/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 18%
$113,638/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 13%
$696,800 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 49%
$2,173/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 22%
156,788
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $14,523/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Alexandria or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Carrollton?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Carrollton?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $14,523/year higher in Alexandria.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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