Which City Is More Affordable: Falls Church or Alexandria?

Falls Church, VA vs. Alexandria, VA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

When considering a move to the Washington D.C. metro area, two popular suburbs often come up in conversation: Falls Church and Alexandria. Both offer a mix of urban amenities and residential charm, but which one wins out on affordability in 2025? Let’s dive into a detailed cost of living comparison to see where your budget will stretch further.

Falls Church and Alexandria share many qualities that attract residents – proximity to D.C., diverse neighborhoods, good schools, and ample green space. But subtle differences in housing costs, taxes, and lifestyle factors can add up to hundreds saved or spent each month. We’ll examine the key cost of living categories to help you decide which city best aligns with your financial goals and way of life.

Comparing Housing Costs in Falls Church and Alexandria

Housing is the biggest line item in most household budgets, so it’s a critical factor when weighing Falls Church vs. Alexandria. Both cities have competitive real estate markets, with a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses available for rent and purchase.

In Falls Church, the median home price hovers around $850,000 as of 2025. Buyers can find 3-bedroom single-family homes starting in the mid-$700,000s, with larger new construction often exceeding $1M. About 65% of Falls Church households own their homes. Renters can expect to pay around $2,300 per month for a typical 2-bedroom apartment.

Alexandria’s housing market is slightly more affordable overall. The median home value is approximately $775,000, with 3-bedroom options available in the $600,000-$800,000 range depending on location and amenities. The homeownership rate is lower at 53%, reflecting more rental households. A standard 2-bedroom apartment runs about $2,100 monthly.

For growing families seeking space, Falls Church’s predominately residential neighborhoods may be worth the higher upfront cost. Young professionals and those who prefer urban living may find better value renting in Alexandria, with more apartments available near transit and shopping. Retirees can likely find suitable options in both cities, but may need to budget more for property taxes and maintenance in Falls Church.

Overall, Alexandria gets the slight edge on housing affordability, especially for renters. Buyers will find more move-in ready single-family inventory under $800K compared to Falls Church.

Utilities and Energy Costs in Falls Church vs. Alexandria

Utility costs are fairly comparable between Falls Church and Alexandria, with both cities served by Dominion Energy for electricity and Washington Gas for natural gas. Residents can expect to pay around $150-$250 per month for energy in a typical 2-3 bedroom home, with seasonal spikes in summer and winter.

Where utility bills may diverge is in home age and efficiency. Falls Church has a higher proportion of older houses, some dating back to the 1950s, which can mean higher heating and cooling costs compared to newer, energy-efficient construction. Alexandria’s rental stock tends to be newer on average. Homeowners in both cities can often benefit from energy audit and weatherization programs to help manage costs.

Water, sewer, and trash collection rates are set by each municipality. Alexandria charges slightly higher water and sewer fees, while Falls Church has moderately higher trash collection costs. For an average household, these differences tend to even out, with a typical total of $60-$90 per month.

Since there are no major disparities, we’ll call utilities a tie between Falls Church and Alexandria. Residents of both cities can expect to budget $200-$350 monthly depending on home size, age, and usage patterns.

Comparing Grocery and Food Costs

Both Falls Church and Alexandria offer a robust variety of grocery options, from major chains to local specialty stores. Prices for staples like milk, bread, eggs and produce are nearly identical at stores like Giant, Safeway, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s found in both cities.

Where costs may differ is in access to budget-friendly big box stores vs. pricier organic markets. Falls Church has slightly more sq. footage dedicated to stores like Whole Foods and Yes! Organic Market, which can mean higher bills for shoppers who frequent these regularly. Meanwhile, Alexandria has a higher proportion of international grocers like H Mart and Grand Mart where certain items may cost less.

Dining out is a popular pastime in both cities. Alexandria’s Old Town and Del Ray neighborhoods are known for their concentration of locally-owned eateries, while Falls Church has a growing restaurant scene in its Eden Center and downtown districts. A typical dine-in meal for two averages $70-$90 in either city, with fast casual options available for $30-$40.

Slight differences aside, grocery and food costs are comparable enough to be a wash between Falls Church and Alexandria. An average household of 2-4 people can expect to spend $500-$1000 per month on groceries and dining out in either location.

Evaluating Taxes and Fees in Falls Church vs. Alexandria

Taxes and municipal fees are another important consideration when comparing the cost of living between two cities. Virginia’s statewide sales tax is 5.3%, with an additional 1% tacked on by both Falls Church and Alexandria, for a total of 6.3% on most purchases.

Property taxes are where the two cities diverge. Falls Church’s 2025 property tax rate is $1.32 per $100 of assessed value, notably higher than Alexandria’s rate of $1.11 per $100. For a home valued at $800,000, that equates to roughly $10,560 annually in Falls Church vs. $8,880 in Alexandria.

Vehicle property taxes (aka “car tax”) also differ. Alexandria charges $5.33 per $100 of assessed value, while Falls Church uses a variable rate based on the age and value of the vehicle, averaging $4.50-$5.00 per $100. Fuel prices are nearly identical, typically within 5¢ per gallon.

Other common municipal costs like parking fees, rec center memberships, and pet licensing are generally higher in Alexandria than Falls Church, but not by margins that drastically affect the overall cost of living.

Due to its lower property tax rate, Alexandria comes out ahead in this category. A typical homeowner could save $1500+ per year on real estate taxes compared to a similar property in Falls Church.

Cost of Living Summary: Falls Church vs. Alexandria

*Estimates reflect 2025 costs for a mid-size household (2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom home) using published data and regional benchmarks. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood.

When looking at the total monthly costs across major categories, Alexandria comes out to be about $500 less expensive per month than Falls Church for a comparable household. The starkest difference is in housing, where median prices in Alexandria are 10%+ lower. Taxes and fees are the next biggest differential, followed by minor variances in utilities, transportation and miscellaneous costs that can add up over time.

For a working family or professional couple, choosing Alexandria over Falls Church could equate to $6,000 or more in annual savings – a significant sum that could go toward other financial goals. Of course, the value of those savings has to be weighed against other lifestyle priorities.

Lifestyle Considerations Between Falls Church and Alexandria

Beyond the hard numbers, choosing between Falls Church and Alexandria often comes down to the lifestyle each city enables. Both offer relatively easy commutes into Washington D.C., but Alexandria’s greater density and public transit connectivity (including four Metro stations) may be a draw for those who prefer to drive less.

Falls Church is known for its quieter, more residential character and high-ranking public schools, which can be ideal for families with children. Its downtown area has seen new mixed-use development in recent years, but still maintains a small-town feel. Over 90% of Falls Church residents report feeling safe in their neighborhood.

Alexandria’s comparative urbanity means more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, particularly in Old Town and Del Ray. Its arts and culture scene is more established, with numerous galleries, theaters and festivals throughout the year. Alexandria’s 70+ parks make it one of Virginia’s top cities for green space per capita.

While both cities offer a high quality of life, Alexandria’s density and amenities may be more appealing to young professionals, creatives, and empty nesters. Falls Church typically attracts more families and those who prefer a suburban lifestyle. But with a compact footprint and continual development, the lines between the two are increasingly blurred.

Ultimately, the choice between Falls Church and Alexandria is as much about personal priorities as it is about cost. Identifying which factors matter most – schools, yard size, walkability, transit access, community events – can help guide the decision in conjunction with the budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Falls Church more affordable than Alexandria in 2025?
According to 2025 data, Alexandria is slightly more affordable than Falls Church across most major cost categories. Housing, taxes, and transportation costs are typically 5-15% lower in Alexandria.

Are rental prices lower in Falls Church or Alexandria?
Rental prices are generally lower in Alexandria compared to Falls Church. A typical 2-bedroom apartment averages around $2,100 per month in Alexandria, while a similar unit in Falls Church rents for closer to $2,300.

How do grocery costs compare between Falls Church and Alexandria?
Grocery costs are very similar between the two cities, with prices at major chains nearly identical. Alexandria has more international markets which may offer savings on specialty items, while Falls Church has a higher proportion of organic grocers which can mean pricier staples.

Are property taxes higher in Alexandria than in Falls Church?
No, property taxes are actually higher in Falls Church than Alexandria. As of 2025, Falls Church’s property tax rate is $1.32 per $100 of assessed value, compared to $1.11 per $100 in Alexandria. For a home valued at $800,000, that’s a difference of about $1,680 per year.

What is the average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Falls Church vs. Alexandria?
According to 2025 estimates, the average monthly cost of living for a family of four is around $7,900 in Falls Church and $7,400 in Alexandria. This factors in housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses. Actual costs can vary significantly depending on neighborhood, lifestyle, and housing choices.

Making Your Move: Falls Church or Alexandria?

Both Falls Church and Alexandria have much to offer residents, from strong job markets and cultural amenities to beautiful parks and neighborhoods. But when it comes to stretching a dollar, Alexandria has the edge, with lower costs for housing, taxes, and transportation adding up to hundreds in potential monthly savings compared to Falls Church.

For some, the extra room in the budget will be well worth it. For others, Falls Church’s top-notch schools, safe streets and suburban comforts may be worthy of the premium. As with any move, it’s important to weigh not just the costs, but the quality of life and personal priorities that shape your decision.

Whichever path you choose, careful planning and budgeting can help make your Northern Virginia relocation a success. Evaluate your needs, compare your options, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local resources for guidance.

Ready to calculate your own cost of living in Falls Church or Alexandria? Check out our guides on average monthly expenses in Falls Church and the total cost of living in Falls Church to start building your 2025 budget. And when you’re ready to make your move, our list of the best moving companies can help you get there with less stress and expense. Here’s to your new home in Northern Virginia!