Median rent is 53% lower in Alexandria ($946/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Alexandria, where the median home runs $182,800 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $47,357 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (111.2).
City A
Alexandria, LA
City B
Alexandria, VA
How much would you need to earn in Alexandria, VA to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, LA?
Equivalent salary in Alexandria, VA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Alexandria
Louisiana
Alexandria
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Alexandria — median rent of $946/mo versus $2,031/mo in Alexandria, a 53% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $182,800 in Alexandria — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Alexandria is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.45% in Louisiana and 5.30% in Virginia; Alexandria has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Alexandria (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Alexandria.
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize cheaper rent ($946/mo median).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Alexandria cheaper than Alexandria?
Alexandria is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 111.2 versus 111.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Alexandria.
How much is rent in Alexandria vs Alexandria?
Median rent is $946/mo in Alexandria, LA and $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA. Alexandria, LA has the lower rent by about 53%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Alexandria?
Median household income is $47,357 in Alexandria, LA and $113,638 in Alexandria, VA. Alexandria, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Alexandria?
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Alexandria, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Alexandria to match my Alexandria income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alexandria, LA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Alexandria, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology