Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Phoenix is 37% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,458/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 39%
$77,041/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 48%
$381,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 82%
$1,430/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 52%
1,624,832
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $36,597/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Phoenix or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Alexandria?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Alexandria?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $36,597/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Alexandria

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen