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

Alexandria

Virginia

173

The Woodlands

Texas

139

Alexandria is 34% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,031/mo ↑ 13%

Median Rent

$1,792/mo ↓ 12%

$113,638/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$141,353/yr ↑ 24%

$696,800 ↑ 45%

Home Value

$479,400 ↓ 31%

$2,173/mo ↑ 8%

Owner Costs

$2,005/mo ↓ 8%

156,788

Population

116,916

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

5.3%

Sales Tax

6.25%

0.8%

Property Tax

1.6%

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

15.2%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $27,715/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Alexandria or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 173 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and The Woodlands?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $239/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or The Woodlands?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $27,715/year higher in The Woodlands.

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 The Woodlands?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.