Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Virginia Beach is 32% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,649/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 23%
$90,685/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 25%
$366,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 90%
$1,704/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 28%
457,066
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $22,953/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Alexandria?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Alexandria?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $22,953/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Alexandria details →

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