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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Alexandria is 115% more expensive than Lansing.

$2,031/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 52%
$113,638/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 54%
$696,800 ↑ 484%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 83%
$2,173/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 55%
156,788
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,055/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $12,660/year.

Median household income is $61,468/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Lansing — common questions

Is Alexandria or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Lansing?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $1,055/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Lansing?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $61,468/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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Lansing details →