Is Austin, TX cheaper than Alexandria, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 30.0% cheaper than Alexandria, VA. This translates to saving $2248 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Alexandria, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, VA, you'd need approximately $123,027.636 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, VA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 46.7% cheaper than in Alexandria, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,003/month in Alexandria, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, VA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2248 per month, or $26972 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, VA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Alexandria, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in Alexandria, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $123.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,248

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alexandria, VA

Population:155K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$674K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$558K

Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Alexandria, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,409/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,524less	46.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,824/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $540less	29.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,062/mo	$959/mo	↓ $102less	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$500/mo	$541/mo	↑ $41.08more	8.2%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$589/mo	↓ $33.05less	5.3%
📦Other	$1,766/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $24.62less	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.7%

Alexandria, VA

$5,409

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,524

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.6%

Alexandria, VA

$1,824

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$540

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.6%

Alexandria, VA

$1,062

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$102

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.2%

Alexandria, VA

$500

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$41.08

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.3%

Alexandria, VA

$622

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$33.05

less

📦Other

↓ 1.4%

Alexandria, VA

$1,766

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$24.62

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,744

To$1,585

↓ $159

1 Bed

From$1,797

To$1,685

↓ $112

2 Bed

From$2,003

To$1,995

↓ $8.00

3 Bed

From$2,529

To$2,525

↓ $4.00

Alexandria, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$2,900/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,182

Monthly in Alexandria, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,183

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Austin

$674K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$433K - $1.03M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 17% less expensive than Alexandria

Calculate payment - Alexandria Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Alexandria, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.