Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Alexandria is 94% more expensive than Dearborn.

$2,031/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 38%
$113,638/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 43%
$696,800 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 70%
$2,173/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 46%
156,788
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $48,446/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Alexandria or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Dearborn?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Dearborn?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $48,446/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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