Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Philadelphia is 51% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,323/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 54%
$60,698/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 87%
$232,400 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 200%
$1,233/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 76%
1,582,432
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $708/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $8,496/year.

Median household income is $52,940/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Alexandria?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $708/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Alexandria?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $52,940/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Virginia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Alexandria details →

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