Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Seattle is 13% more expensive than Alexandria.

$1,998/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 2%
$121,984/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 7%
$912,100 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 24%
$2,220/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 2%
741,440
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,346/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Seattle or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Alexandria?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Alexandria?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $8,346/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Alexandria details →

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