Median rent is 6% lower in Washington ($1,900/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Alexandria, where the median home runs $696,800 versus $724,600. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $106,287 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (111.2).
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
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
Virginia
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Washington at $1,900/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (6% gap). Median home values are within 4% of each other: $696,800 in Alexandria and $724,600 in Washington.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 10.75% in District of Columbia, so Alexandria is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 6.00% in District of Columbia; Alexandria has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Washington
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Both cities have similar air quality: Alexandria averages 58.0 AQI (Moderate) and Washington averages 58.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
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 $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,900/mo in Washington, DC. Washington, DC has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Washington?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $106,287 in Washington, DC. 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?
Washington, DC has better air quality on average: 58.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Washington?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and District of Columbia's is 10.75%. Alexandria, VA 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, VA 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