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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Houston is 49% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,313/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 55%
$62,894/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 81%
$253,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 175%
$1,316/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 65%
2,300,419
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $50,744/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Houston or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Alexandria?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Alexandria?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $50,744/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 Houston or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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