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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Plano is 24% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,792/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 13%
$108,649/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 5%
$440,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 58%
$1,829/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 19%
287,339
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $4,989/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Plano or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Alexandria?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Alexandria?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $4,989/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 Plano or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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