Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Boston is 2% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,093/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 3%
$94,755/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 20%
$710,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 2%
$2,176/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ≈ Same
663,972
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $18,883/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Boston or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Alexandria?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Alexandria?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $18,883/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Alexandria details →

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