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

Alexandria

Virginia

173

College Station

Texas

Alexandria is 82% more expensive than College Station.

$2,031/mo ↑ 74%

Median Rent

$1,168/mo ↓ 42%

$113,638/yr ↑ 119%

Median Income

$51,776/yr ↓ 54%

$696,800 ↑ 113%

Home Value

$326,500 ↓ 53%

$2,173/mo ↑ 74%

Owner Costs

$1,251/mo ↓ 42%

156,788

Population

122,280

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

5.3%

Sales Tax

6.25%

0.8%

Property Tax

1.6%

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

27.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $61,862/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs College Station — common questions

Is Alexandria or College Station cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 173 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and College Station?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $863/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or College Station?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $61,862/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 College Station?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.