Skyline of Alexandria
Cost of Living: 145 160,000

Alexandria, VA, US

Historic DC suburb with Old Town's cobblestone streets and the King Street Mile.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 145

Very High vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 170

Very Expensive

Median Income $90,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.0%

Job market health

Alexandria vs US Average

Cost of Living
Alexandria: 145
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Alexandria: 170
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Alexandria: 5.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.8%
  • Sales Tax: 6.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $90,000
  • Unemployment: 3.0%
  • Population: 160,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 205/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 30°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $600,000
  • 1BR Rent: $2000/mo

Cost of Living

Alexandria's cost of living index is 145 (US average = 100).

CategoryAlexandriaNational AverageDifference
Overall145100+45.0%
Housing170100+70.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$600,000
Median Rent (1BR)$2000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft$400

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Alexandria:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$5Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$261Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Alexandria

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,400/mo.

Alexandria Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $2,200/mo.

East Alexandria

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,800/mo.

West Alexandria

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,900/mo.

Remote Work Score

Alexandria scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
145
Rent
$2000
Sunny Days
205
Tax
5.75%
Unemployment
3.0%
Climate
86°F / 30°F

Climate

Alexandria has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January50°F30°F2.5"
April71°F45°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F48°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.75%
  • Sales Tax: 6%
  • Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Alexandria, VA, US?

The cost of living index in Alexandria is 145, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Alexandria?

The median home price in Alexandria is $600,000. The housing index is 170.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Alexandria is approximately $2000/mo.

Does Alexandria, VA have income tax?

Alexandria is in VA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.

What is the climate like in Alexandria?

Alexandria enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.