Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA
Population 156,788 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Alexandria's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $697,000 for a typical home, 128% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $113,638 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alexandria
The median home value in Alexandria is $696,800 — 128% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,031/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,638/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Alexandria has a cost of living index of 199 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 99% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.62 | 3.50 | 3.21 | 3.94 | 4.20 | 4.33 | 3.25 | 3.93 | 3.66 | 2.91 | 3.41 |
| Snow" | 4.9 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria has a cost index of 199 (100 = national average). It is 99% above the national average.
What is average rent in Alexandria, VA?
The median gross rent in Alexandria is $2,031 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alexandria?
The median home value in Alexandria is $696,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alexandria?
The median household income in Alexandria is $113,638 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alexandria, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alexandria is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Alexandria, VA affordable?
Alexandria is above average in cost of living, with an index of 199 — about 99% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Alexandria?
Alexandria has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Alexandria at a Glance
- Population
- 156,788
- Median Income
- $113,638
- Home Value
- $696,800
- Median Rent
- $2,031/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs