Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Denver is 15% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,770/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 15%
$91,681/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 24%
$586,700 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 19%
$1,839/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 18%
713,734
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $21,957/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Denver or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Alexandria?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Alexandria?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $21,957/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Alexandria details →

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