Cost of Living in Alexandria city, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Alexandria city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Alexandria city ranks #2,607 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Alexandria city
Affordability Verdict
Alexandria city offers affordable rental housing at a median of $2,031/month — about 21.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $2,031/month rent versus $2,635/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $604/month cheaper — a 23% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $81,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $112,929/year. With a median household income of $113,638, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Alexandria city are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Alexandria city sits 4% less expensive than Fairfax city ($2,122/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Alexandria city
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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