Median rent is 50% lower in Alexandria ($946/mo vs $1,900/mo). Buying is cheaper in Alexandria, where the median home runs $182,800 versus $724,600. Households earn more in Washington ($106,287 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
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, LA?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$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
Washington
District of Columbia
👥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 $1,900/mo in Washington, a 50% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $724,600 versus $182,800 in Alexandria — 75% 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 10.75% in District of Columbia, so Alexandria is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.45% in Louisiana and 6.00% in District of Columbia; Alexandria has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Washington
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Washington (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Alexandria.
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($106,287/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 Washington?
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 Washington?
Median rent is $946/mo in Alexandria, LA and $1,900/mo in Washington, DC. Alexandria, LA has the lower rent by about 50%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Washington?
Median household income is $47,357 in Alexandria, LA and $106,287 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC 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 Washington?
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% and District of Columbia's is 10.75%. Alexandria, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Washington 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 Washington, DC (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