Alexandria, VA vs. Falls Church, VA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
When comparing the cost of living between Alexandria and Falls Church, two popular suburbs in the Washington D.C. metro area, many assume that Falls Church is the more affordable option. However, a closer look at housing, utilities, groceries, and other key factors in 2025 reveals that Alexandria may offer more value for certain lifestyles and budgets.
For families seeking more space, Alexandria’s larger homes and lower property taxes can add up to significant savings over time compared to Falls Church. Young professionals drawn to walkable neighborhoods and public transit will find attractive rental options in both cities, but Alexandria’s broader range of housing types may provide more affordable choices.
As the cost of living continues to shape where people choose to settle in the D.C. region, understanding the nuances between these two commuter-friendly cities is essential. Let’s break down the key expenses and lifestyle considerations to help you decide which suburb fits your 2025 budget and preferences.
Housing Costs
In 2025, the median home price in Alexandria is around $600,000, while Falls Church homes tend to be slightly pricier at $650,000. For a typical 3-bedroom single-family home, Alexandria buyers can expect to pay between $550,000 to $700,000, compared to $600,000 to $750,000 in Falls Church.
Renters will find more options in Alexandria, where about 60% of households are renter-occupied versus 40% in Falls Church. A standard 2-bedroom apartment in Alexandria ranges from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, while similar units in Falls Church start around $2,000 and can reach over $3,000 in newer buildings.
Neighborhood choices also impact housing budgets. In Alexandria, areas like Del Ray and Old Town offer charming historic homes and walkable streets at a premium, while the West End provides more affordable mid-century options. Falls Church neighborhoods tend to be pricier across the board, with higher costs concentrated in the city center and areas with top-rated schools.
| Housing Type | Alexandria | Falls Church |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,800 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $3,000+ |
| 3BR House | $550K – $700K | $600K – $750K |
For families prioritizing space and long-term value, Alexandria’s lower home prices and property taxes (more on that later) make it an attractive choice. Singles and young couples may find Falls Church worth the premium for its central location and newer apartment options, but Alexandria offers more budget-friendly rentals for those willing to look beyond the priciest neighborhoods.
Winner: Alexandria. Lower home prices and a wider selection of affordable rentals give it an edge over Falls Church.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between Alexandria and Falls Church, with both cities relying on Dominion Energy for power and Washington Gas for heating. Expect to pay around $150 to $250 per month for electricity and gas in a typical 2-bedroom apartment, with costs reaching $200 to $300+ in a 3-bedroom house.
Seasonal spikes are common, with summer air conditioning and winter heating adding $50 to $100 to monthly bills. Newer construction in Falls Church may have slightly better energy efficiency, but Alexandria’s larger share of apartments and small homes help keep overall utility costs down.
Both cities offer energy-saving programs and rebates for upgrading to efficient appliances, with Alexandria also providing free energy audits to help residents trim utility bills. Water and sewer fees are comparable, adding $60 to $80 per month in an average household.
Winner: Tie. Utility costs are similar enough that other factors like housing type and personal usage will have a bigger impact on budgets.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Alexandria and Falls Church are on par with the D.C. metro average, about 10% higher than the national median. Expect to spend around $400 to $600 per month on food for a 2-person household, or $800 to $1,000 for a family of four.
Both cities have a mix of major chains like Safeway, Giant, and Trader Joe’s, along with independent grocers and specialty markets. Restaurant prices are also similar, with a basic meal out averaging $15 to $20 per person, and upscale dining running $30 to $50+.
Other daily expenses, from gas to childcare, are nearly identical. The one notable difference is in transportation, where Alexandria’s more extensive bus network and Metro access can help some households trim costs compared to Falls Church’s more car-dependent layout.
Winner: Alexandria, but only slightly. The potential for lower transportation costs gives it a thin margin over Falls Church.
Taxes and Fees
Alexandria has a clear advantage when it comes to taxes, with lower property tax rates and car registration fees than Falls Church. Alexandria’s property tax rate is $1.11 per $100 of assessed value, compared to $1.32 in Falls Church. For a $600,000 home, that’s a difference of $1,260 per year.
Sales tax is identical at 6%, as both cities follow Virginia’s statewide rate. However, Falls Church charges a 4% meals tax on restaurant bills and prepared foods, while Alexandria’s meal tax is 5% but limited to restaurants.
Car owners will also save in Alexandria, where annual vehicle registration fees are $33 compared to $50 in Falls Church. Parking follows a similar pattern, with Alexandria offering more free and low-cost parking options.
Winner: Alexandria. Lower property taxes and car-related fees make it more budget-friendly, especially for homeowners.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Alexandria | Falls Church |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $550K – $700K | $600K – $750K |
| Utilities | $200 – $300 | $200 – $300 |
| Groceries | $400 – $600 | $400 – $600 |
| Transportation | $100 – $200 | $150 – $250 |
| Property Tax* | $6,105 – $7,770 | $7,920 – $9,900 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $3,500 – $4,500 | $3,800 – $4,800 |
*Annual cost based on median home price range and local tax rates. Other costs are monthly estimates. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood.
When totaling up the core living costs, Alexandria comes out ahead by about $300 per month for a typical family, with the biggest savings stemming from lower home prices and property taxes. For renters and those with more modest housing budgets, the gap narrows to around $100 to $200 monthly.
Of course, these estimates are based on averages and will shift depending on individual factors like [home size](/alexandria-va/cost-overview/), [neighborhood](/alexandria-va/monthly-budget/), and lifestyle. But for many households, Alexandria offers a meaningful cost advantage over Falls Church without sacrificing access to jobs, amenities, or quality of life.
Lifestyle Fit
While cost is crucial, it’s also important to consider how each city aligns with your lifestyle needs and preferences. Alexandria and Falls Church share many qualities – good schools, safe neighborhoods, easy metro access – but a few key differences may sway your choice.
Alexandria offers a more diverse mix of housing and neighborhood types, from dense urban pockets to quiet cul-de-sacs. Its larger footprint means more parks, trails, and waterfront recreation along the Potomac. Commuters have a wider range of transit options, with multiple Metro lines, DASH buses, and the VRE train.
Falls Church packs a lot into its compact 2 square miles, with a quaint downtown, highly rated schools, and a slightly faster D.C. commute. Its more homogenous housing stock and smaller size mean less variety but also a strong sense of community. Residents can walk or bike to most daily needs.
Both cities have farmers markets, festivals, and a lively restaurant scene. Alexandria’s Del Ray and Old Town neighborhoods are known for independent shops and historic charm, while Falls Church’s Eden Center is a hub for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
For many, the choice between Alexandria and Falls Church will come down to space versus convenience. Alexandria offers more room to spread out and a lower cost of entry, while Falls Church is ideal for those who value walkability and a tightknit community feel. Considering not just costs but day-to-day living will help you make the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria more affordable than Falls Church in 2025?
For many households, Alexandria offers a lower overall cost of living than Falls Church, especially for homebuyers. Renters may find more affordable options in Alexandria, but the savings are less pronounced.
How do grocery costs compare between Alexandria and Falls Church?
Grocery prices are nearly identical in the two cities, with both averaging about 10% higher than the national median. Restaurant and takeout costs are also comparable.
Are property taxes higher in Falls Church than in Alexandria?
Yes, Falls Church has a higher property tax rate of $1.32 per $100 of assessed value, compared to $1.11 in Alexandria. For a median-priced home, that equates to about $1,260 more in annual taxes.
What is the average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Alexandria vs. Falls Church?
For a family of four, living costs average around $3,500 to $4,500 per month in Alexandria, compared to $3,800 to $4,800 in Falls Church. Housing and taxes account for most of the difference.
Is Alexandria considered a better value for homebuyers compared to Falls Church?
With lower median home prices and property tax rates, Alexandria is often a better long-term value for buyers. However, Falls Church’s newer housing stock and compact layout may be worth the premium for some households.
Conclusion
While Falls Church has an appealing small-town charm and slightly shorter commute, Alexandria’s lower housing costs, expansive amenities, and transit options make it a more budget-friendly choice for many households in 2025. Homebuyers in particular will find significant savings in Alexandria, while renters may have to dig a bit deeper to reap the benefits.
Of course, the right fit depends on your unique priorities and lifestyle. Exploring neighborhoods in each city, [calculating commute times](https://indexyard.com/best-moving-companies-guide/), and [mapping out monthly expenses](/alexandria-va/monthly-budget/) will help you decide where to call home. Whether you choose Alexandria or Falls Church, you’ll find welcoming communities with a lot to offer in the heart of the D.C. metro region.