Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Newark is 42% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,330/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 53%
$48,416/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 135%
$337,800 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 106%
$1,419/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 53%
307,188
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $65,222/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Newark or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Alexandria?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Alexandria?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $65,222/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Alexandria

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen