Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Reno is 29% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,453/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 40%
$78,448/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 45%
$498,600 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 40%
$1,482/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 47%
268,959
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $35,190/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Reno or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Alexandria?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Alexandria?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $35,190/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Virginia?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Alexandria details →

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