Median rent is 22% lower in Washington ($1,581/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Washington, where the median home runs $511,100 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $94,015 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (111.2).
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Washington, UT
How much would you need to earn in Washington, UT to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Washington, UT
$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
Utah
👥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 Washington — median rent of $1,581/mo versus $2,031/mo in Alexandria, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $511,100 in Washington — 27% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Washington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 4.85% in Utah; Washington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Washington
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Alexandria (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Washington.
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick Washington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,581/mo median).
Pick Washington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
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 $1,581/mo in Washington, UT. Washington, UT has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Washington?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $94,015 in Washington, UT. 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 Washington?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Utah's is 4.65%. Washington, UT 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, UT (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