Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Alexandria is 61% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,031/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 28%
$113,638/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 44%
$696,800 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 44%
$2,173/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 29%
156,788
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $49,764/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Alexandria or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $49,764/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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