Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Alexandria is 78% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,031/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 29%
$113,638/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 53%
$696,800 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 64%
$2,173/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 30%
156,788
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $59,867/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs New Haven — common questions

Is Alexandria or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and New Haven?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or New Haven?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $59,867/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Connecticut?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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