Cost of Living in Alexandria city, Virginia

$2,031/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$696,800

Median Home Value

78% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$2,031/mo

78% above state average

Median Home Value

$696,800

147% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Alexandria city Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Alexandria city$2,031/mo

Virginia Average$1,140/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$2,031/mo

Median Gross Rent

$696,800

Median Home Value

$2,635/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Alexandria city, Virginia

Alexandria's rents strain even high-income households

Alexandria residents spend 21.4% of household income on rent—significantly higher than the national average of 18.6%—even with a median household income of $113,638, well above the U.S. median of $74,755. This rare combination of very high incomes and very high rents defines the city's premium market.

Virginia's second-priciest housing market overall

Alexandria's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% ranks among Virginia's highest, exceeding the state average of 18.6% despite top-tier incomes. The median gross rent of $2,031 is 78% above the state median, reflecting the city's proximity to Washington, D.C., and federal employment.

Pricier than all rural and suburban Virginia

Alexandria's $2,031 median rent dwarfs every other county surveyed, exceeding nearby Arlington ($2,275 in ownership costs but lower rent) and Albemarle ($1,623) by wide margins. The city's $696,800 median home value is similarly among Virginia's highest.

Even affluent renters face steep housing burden

Renters pay $2,031 monthly while homeowners pay $2,635—the highest owner costs in this dataset—on a $113,638 median household income. Housing together consumes roughly one-fifth of household income, a notable burden even for this high-earning city.

Alexandria demands six-figure household budgets

If your household income exceeds $110,000 and you prioritize urban walkability and federal job access, Alexandria's premium rents become manageable. For others, nearby Fairfax or Arlington suburbs offer lower rents while maintaining regional employment access.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Alexandria city

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

21.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,652

per month

Owner Cost Burden

27.8%

of gross income

The median home in Alexandria city may be a stretch

Median home value is $696,800. Estimated monthly cost: $5,563 vs. your max of $2,652.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Alexandria city, Virginia?

Alexandria city, Virginia has a median monthly rent of $2,031/mo and a median home value of $696,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Alexandria city?

The median gross rent in Alexandria city is $2,031/mo. This is 78% above state average for Virginia.

Is Alexandria city affordable?

Alexandria city is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Alexandria city's rent compare to the state average?

Alexandria city's median rent of $2,031/mo is 78% above state average of $1,140/mo for Virginia.

What is the median home value in Alexandria city?

The median home value in Alexandria city, Virginia is $696,800. This is 147% above the national median home value of $281,900.