Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Atlanta is 29% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,617/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 26%
$81,938/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 39%
$420,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 66%
$1,695/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 28%
499,287
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $31,700/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Atlanta or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Alexandria?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Alexandria?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $31,700/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Virginia?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Alexandria details →

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