Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Dallas is 44% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,403/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 45%
$67,760/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 68%
$295,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 136%
$1,409/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 54%
1,299,553
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $45,878/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Dallas or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Alexandria?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Alexandria?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $45,878/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Alexandria

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen