Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Alexandria, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 34.0% cheaper than Alexandria, VA. This translates to saving $2554 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Alexandria, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, VA, you'd need approximately $119,356.123 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 54.4% cheaper than in Alexandria, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,003/month in Alexandria, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2554 per month, or $30644 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, VA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $2.6K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,554

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.6K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$512K

Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Alexandria, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,409/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,940less	54.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,824/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $540less	29.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,062/mo	$959/mo	↓ $102less	9.6%
📦Other	$1,766/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $58.10less	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$500/mo	$546/mo	↑ $46.54more	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$601/mo	↓ $20.66less	3.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.4%

Alexandria, VA

$5,409

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,940

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.6%

Alexandria, VA

$1,824

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$540

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.6%

Alexandria, VA

$1,062

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$102

less

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Alexandria, VA

$1,766

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$58.10

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.3%

Alexandria, VA

$500

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$46.54

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.3%

Alexandria, VA

$622

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$20.66

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,744

To$1,570

↓ $174

1 Bed

From$1,797

To$1,640

↓ $157

2 Bed

From$2,003

To$1,800

↓ $203

3 Bed

From$2,529

To$2,255

↓ $274

Alexandria, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$2,900/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,615

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Raleigh

$674K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$433K - $1.03M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 24% less expensive than Alexandria

Calculate payment - Alexandria Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.