Median rent is 19% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 111.2 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Alexandria, VA.
Quick verdict
Austin is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 111.2 in Alexandria (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$66,639
You could earn $8,361 less (11% lower) and break even.
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
Virginia
Austin
Texas
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $512,700 in Austin — 26% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Virginia tops out at 5.75% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 6.25% in Texas; Alexandria has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 111.2).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Alexandria cheaper than Austin?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 111.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Alexandria vs Austin?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Austin?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $91,461 in Austin, TX. 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?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. Virginia has a top rate of 5.75%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Alexandria income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alexandria, VA is equivalent to roughly $88,852 in Austin, TX (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