Alexandria, VA vs. Arlington, VA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
For those considering a move to the Washington D.C. metro area, two popular Northern Virginia cities often come to mind: Alexandria and Arlington. While both offer a high quality of life with easy access to the nation’s capital, there are some notable differences in the cost of living between these neighboring communities. Families seeking more space may lean towards Alexandria, while young professionals craving an urban vibe might prefer Arlington. As we head into 2025, let’s take a closer look at how expenses stack up in Alexandria vs Arlington to help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget.
At a glance, here’s how Alexandria and Arlington compare on key cost of living factors in 2025:
- Median home price: $150,000 lower in Alexandria
- Average rent for a 2BR apartment: $300 less per month in Alexandria
- Utilities: $50 lower monthly average in Alexandria
- Groceries and dining out: Costs 5-10% less in Alexandria
- Property taxes: 0.5% lower effective rate in Alexandria
Now let’s dive into the details to understand what’s driving these cost of living differences between Alexandria and Arlington.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest line item in any household budget, and that’s certainly true in the pricey D.C. suburbs. However, Alexandria offers a bit more bang for your buck compared to Arlington. As of 2025, the median home price in Alexandria is around $600,000, while Arlington homes come in about $150,000 higher at $750,000.
Rents show a similar trend. You can expect to pay an average of $2,100 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment in Alexandria. The same apartment in Arlington will set you back closer to $2,400. Larger rentals suitable for families, like a 3-bedroom townhome, average $2,800 monthly in Alexandria compared to over $3,200 in Arlington.
| Housing | Alexandria | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $600,000 | $750,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| 3BR Townhome Rent | $2,800 | $3,200 |
What accounts for this sizable difference in housing costs? Alexandria simply has more inventory of single-family homes compared to Arlington’s concentration of luxury apartments and townhomes. For families looking to stretch their housing budget, Alexandria’s older neighborhoods with detached homes can be a smart choice. Singles and couples without kids may find Arlington’s modern apartments worth the premium for a maintenance-free lifestyle in the heart of the action.
The bottom line on housing: Expect to spend $300-500 less per month on rent or mortgage payments in Alexandria compared to Arlington. Over the course of a year, that adds up to serious savings for Alexandria residents.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Powering all those homes and apartments doesn’t come cheap in Northern Virginia, but again, Alexandria has a slight edge. Residents report average monthly utility costs of around $180 for a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Alexandria, compared to $230 in Arlington.
Some of this difference can be chalked up to home size and age. Alexandria’s stock of older and smaller single-family homes tends to be a bit more energy-efficient than Arlington’s glassy high-rise apartments. Heating and cooling costs during the region’s humid summers and chilly winters add up faster in Arlington.
Of course, utility costs can vary widely depending on your home’s size, age, and energy-saving features. But on average, budget about $50 less per month for utilities in an Alexandria apartment vs a similar one in Arlington. Families in larger homes can expect that gap to widen to $75-100 per month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
On everyday essentials like groceries, household goods, and dining out, Alexandria maintains its affordability advantage. Expect to pay around 5-10% less for a basket of grocery staples in Alexandria compared to Arlington. A gallon of milk, loaf of bread, and carton of eggs will run you about $10 in Alexandria, but closer to $11 in Arlington.
Eating out shows a similar pattern. A basic fast-casual meal for one averages about $12 in Alexandria, while you’re likely to spend $14 for the same quick bite in Arlington. A nicer dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant comes out to around $60 in Alexandria, but easily $70 and up in Arlington once you tack on pricier drinks.
What’s behind the higher food and dining costs in Arlington? In part, it’s simply a matter of real estate. Arlington’s central location and affluent demographics support higher commercial rents, which get passed on to customers. Alexandria’s more suburban landscape means lower overhead costs for grocery stores and restaurants, enabling slightly lower prices. Busy families may find the wider selection of budget-friendly big-box stores in Alexandria helps keep weekly shopping bills in check compared to Arlington’s trendier grocers.
Taxes and Fees
With all those government agencies and federal workers nearby, you’d think taxes in the D.C. suburbs would be sky-high. But thanks to Virginia’s overall tax-friendly climate, both Alexandria and Arlington boast property tax rates below the national average. Still, Alexandria comes out ahead.
As of 2025, Alexandria’s effective property tax rate (annual taxes as a percentage of home value) is 1.1%. For a $600,000 home, that comes to $6,600 per year or $550 per month. In Arlington, the effective property tax rate is 1.6%, translating to $9,600 annually or $800 monthly on a $600,000 home. Over the course of a 30-year mortgage, that difference in property tax rates can really add up.
It’s a similar story with sales taxes. Alexandria’s combined state and local sales tax rate is 6%, while Arlington residents pay 6.5% on purchases. That means a $500 TV will cost you $30 in sales tax in Alexandria, compared to $32.50 in Arlington. Not a huge difference on one item, but it can add up over a year of shopping.
The takeaway on taxes: Alexandria’s lower property and sales tax rates give it an edge over Arlington. For a typical homeowner, expect to pay around $2,000 less per year in property taxes in Alexandria.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Alexandria | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,800 | $3,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $230 |
| Groceries | $400 | $440 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes | $550 | $800 |
| Misc. | $250 | $300 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $4,280 | $5,050 |
Estimates reflect 2025 costs for a mid-size household (2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom home) using published national data and regional benchmarks. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood.
Rolled up, the numbers show that living in Alexandria is about $350 cheaper per month than Arlington for a typical family, adding up to over $4,000 in savings per year. While the gap is smaller for singles and couples in apartments, Alexandria still comes out around $200 ahead on monthly expenses.
Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost of living is just one factor in choosing between Alexandria and Arlington. Lifestyle considerations matter too. **Alexandria shines for families craving a bit more space and a small-town feel, with its charming Old Town district and quiet tree-lined streets.** You’ll trade a bit of excitement and convenience for lower housing costs, but Alexandria offers its own set of perks. It’s a quick drive to Arlington or D.C. for work or play, and its slightly slower pace can be a welcome respite from the capital’s intensity.
**Arlington is all about urban energy and access, with its central location, vibrant restaurant and bar scene, and ample transit options.** It’s a great fit for young professionals who want to be in the thick of things and don’t mind paying a bit more for the privilege. Walkability is excellent, with plenty of shops, cafes, and entertainment right outside your door. Plus, the easy Metro ride to D.C. makes commuting a breeze.
Lifestyle factors can indirectly impact your cost of living too. Arlington’s density and transit connectivity mean many residents can get by without a car, potentially saving on transportation costs. Alexandria’s more suburban layout often requires driving, but you’ll likely pay less for auto insurance than in Arlington. It’s all about weighing your priorities and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria more affordable than Arlington in 2025?
Yes, Alexandria offers a lower cost of living than Arlington as of 2025. Housing costs, utilities, groceries, and taxes all tend to be 5-15% cheaper in Alexandria on average.
Are rental prices lower in Alexandria or Arlington?
Rents are generally lower in Alexandria compared to Arlington. As of 2025, a typical 2-bedroom apartment goes for around $2,100 per month in Alexandria, while a similar unit in Arlington averages $2,400.
How do grocery costs compare between Alexandria and Arlington?
Groceries run about 5-10% less in Alexandria than Arlington. Expect to pay around $10 for a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, and carton of eggs in Alexandria, versus $11 for the same items in Arlington.
Are property taxes higher in Arlington than in Alexandria?
Yes, Arlington’s effective property tax rate is 1.6% compared to Alexandria’s 1.1% as of 2025. That means a typical homeowner in Arlington pays about $2,000 more per year in property taxes than in Alexandria.
What is the average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Alexandria vs. Arlington?
For a family of four living in a 3-bedroom home, expect to spend around $4,280 per month in Alexandria compared to $5,050 in Arlington as of 2025. That’s an average savings of $770 per month or $9,240 per year in Alexandria.
The Bottom Line
Both Alexandria and Arlington have a lot to offer as D.C. suburbs, but Alexandria takes the crown on affordability in 2025. With lower costs across the board on housing, food, utilities and taxes, a typical family can expect to save $350 or more per month living in Alexandria compared to Arlington. Of course, the right choice for you depends on your specific budget, housing needs, and lifestyle priorities.
If you’re leaning towards putting down roots in Alexandria, check out our [guide to average monthly expenses](/alexandria-va/monthly-budget/) to help plan your budget. Our detailed [cost of living breakdown for Alexandria](/alexandria-va/cost-overview/) can also give you a fuller picture of what you’ll really spend in 2025 and beyond. And when you’re ready to make the move, be sure to [see our top picks for moving companies](https://indexyard.com/best-moving-companies-guide/) in the D.C. area.