Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Chicago is 42% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,380/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 47%
$75,134/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 51%
$315,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 121%
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 45%
2,707,648
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $38,504/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Chicago or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Alexandria?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Alexandria?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $38,504/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Alexandria details →

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