Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Raleigh is 36% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,468/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 38%
$82,424/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 38%
$377,800 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 84%
$1,487/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 46%
470,763
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $31,214/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Raleigh or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Alexandria?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Alexandria?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $31,214/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Alexandria details →

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