Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Chandler is 23% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,806/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 12%
$103,691/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 10%
$469,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 48%
$1,743/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 25%
278,123
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $9,947/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Chandler or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Alexandria?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Alexandria?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $9,947/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Alexandria details →

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