Median rent is 12% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Alexandria, where the median home runs $696,800 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Alexandria is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 111.2 against 113.0 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Alexandria, VA.
Quick verdict
Alexandria is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 111.2 in Alexandria vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$76,200
You'd need $1,200 more (2% higher).
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
New York
New York
👥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 New York at $1,779/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (12% gap). Median home values are within 7% of each other: $696,800 in Alexandria and $751,700 in New York.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 10.90% in New York, so Alexandria is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Alexandria has cleaner air on average: 58.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick New York if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,779/mo median).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Alexandria cheaper than New York?
Alexandria is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 111.2 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Alexandria.
How much is rent in Alexandria vs New York?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or New York?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $79,713 in New York, NY. 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?
Alexandria, VA has better air quality on average: 58.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or New York?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and New York's is 10.90%. Alexandria, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Alexandria income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alexandria, VA is equivalent to roughly $101,601 in New York, NY (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