Alexandria is considered moderately priced in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,750 per month. Overall living costs including housing, groceries, utilities, and taxes are slightly above the national average.
Is the true cost of living in Alexandria higher than you think? Let’s take a closer look at the monthly expenses you can expect in this historic Virginia city.
Housing Costs in Alexandria
Housing is the biggest factor in Alexandria’s cost of living. Renting a typical 2-bedroom apartment runs around $1,750 per month as of 2025. If you’re looking to purchase a home, the median price for a 3-bedroom is $475,000, up 6% from the previous year.
Prices and availability vary by neighborhood. Old Town and Del Ray tend to have higher rents and home values, while the West End offers more affordable options. Many properties are part of HOAs, which can add $200-400 to your monthly housing costs.
| Neighborhood | Avg 2BR Rent | Avg 3BR Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | $2,100 | $850,000 |
| Del Ray | $1,900 | $725,000 |
| West End | $1,600 | $450,000 |
Utility Costs in Alexandria
Utility expenses in Alexandria are moderate, averaging $180 per month for a 1,000 square foot apartment. This includes electricity, natural gas, water, and trash service.
Expect your electric bill to spike in the summer months when cooling costs are highest. Many homes rely on natural gas for heating, which runs about $1.20 per therm. Water and sewer fees are billed quarterly by the city.
| Utility | Avg Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $90 |
| Natural Gas | $40 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $50 |
Groceries and Food Costs
Groceries for a single adult in Alexandria cost around $350 per month, while a couple can expect to spend $600-800. Here’s what a typical grocery basket might look like:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gal) | $3.50 |
| Bread (1 loaf) | $2.25 |
| Eggs (1 doz) | $2.00 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $4.50 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.00 |
Dining out is a popular option, with the average meal costing $18-25 per person. A couple that eats out a few times a week can easily add $300+ to their monthly food budget.
Taxes and Fees in Alexandria
Alexandria’s property tax rate is $1.11 per $100 of assessed value, which works out to about $5,500 annually for a $500K home. The sales tax rate is 6%, which applies to most goods and services.
Vehicle owners must pay an annual personal property tax and registration fee. Other common expenses include:
- HOA fees: $200-400/month
- Parking permits: $30-60/year
- Pet licenses: $10/year
- Rental inspection fees: $50-100 per lease
Monthly Budget Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Alexandria? Here’s a sample monthly budget for three different households, with all figures expressed as gross income (pre-tax):
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,600 | $1,900 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 | $320 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Taxes/Fees | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Total | $3,000 | $4,200 | $6,520 |
Methodology: These 2025 estimates for Alexandria draw on publicly available national and regional sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Where city-specific figures are unavailable, safe regional ranges are applied (e.g., typical 2BR rents, grocery costs per adult). All amounts are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax) and rounded to whole dollars. Actual expenses vary by household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood choice.
Lifestyle Factors to Consider
While costs are important, so is quality of life. Alexandria offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort, with easy access to Washington D.C. The average commute time is 30 minutes, but many residents take advantage of public transit options like the Metro and DASH bus.
Alexandria is known for its walkable neighborhoods, historic charm, and waterfront parks. It’s a great place for families, with highly rated public schools and plenty of kid-friendly activities. However, the tradeoff for this lifestyle is higher housing costs, especially if you want to be close to Old Town or the Metro.
Ultimately, your ideal budget comes down to your priorities. Choosing a smaller apartment or a neighborhood farther from the city center can make Alexandria much more affordable. But for those who value walkability, convenience, and charm, the premium may be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria more affordable than Washington D.C.?
While Alexandria is less expensive than central D.C., it still has a relatively high cost of living compared to other parts of Virginia. Expect to pay 10-20% less for housing and basics than in the District.What salary do you need to live comfortably in Alexandria?
A single person can live comfortably on a gross income of about $3,000 per month, while a family of four will need closer to $6,500. Keep in mind, “comfortable” means being able to afford housing, food, transportation, and have some money left over for savings and discretionary spending.Are utilities expensive in Alexandria compared to other cities?
Alexandria’s utility costs are fairly moderate, in line with the rest of Northern Virginia. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for a typical apartment, with costs rising in the summer due to air conditioning.How much does the average family of four spend on groceries in Alexandria?
A family of four spends about $1,100 per month on groceries, or $275 per person. This assumes most meals are cooked at home, with some budget for dining out. Choosing budget-friendly stores and buying generic brands can reduce this figure.Do you need a car to get around Alexandria?
While a car is convenient for some trips, Alexandria is very walkable and has extensive bus and Metro service. Many errands can be accomplished on foot, especially if you live in Old Town or near the Braddock Road or King Street Metro stations. Ditching the car can save substantially on transportation costs.