Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Alexandria is 112% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,031/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 53%
$113,638/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 48%
$696,800 ↑ 366%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 79%
$2,173/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 54%
156,788
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,080/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $12,960/year.

Median household income is $54,922/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Peoria — common questions

Is Alexandria or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Peoria?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $1,080/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Peoria?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $54,922/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Peoria details →