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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Alexandria is 90% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,031/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 35%
$113,638/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 36%
$696,800 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 70%
$2,173/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 42%
156,788
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $40,608/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Odessa — common questions

Is Alexandria or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Odessa?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Odessa?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $40,608/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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