Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Arlington is 17% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,275/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 11%
$140,160/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 19%
$864,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 19%
$2,414/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 10%
235,463
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $26,522/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Arlington or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Alexandria?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Alexandria?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $26,522/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Alexandria details →

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