Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Washington and Alexandria have a similar cost of living.

$1,900/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 7%
$106,287/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 7%
$724,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 4%
$2,103/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 3%
672,079
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $7,351/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Washington or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Alexandria?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Alexandria?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $7,351/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Alexandria details →

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