Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA [2024]
Alexandria, Virginia, a charming historic city bordering Washington D.C., offers a lifestyle rich in culture, convenience, and proximity to major employers. But this allure comes with a price tag. This blog dives into the cost of living in Alexandria, with a particular focus on renting. We'll explore average rent prices for apartments and studios, unpack factors affecting affordability, and explore additional expenses renters can expect, from utilities to groceries.
By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what it costs to rent and live comfortably in this vibrant Virginia city.
Cost of Living in Alexandria
What Is the Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA?
The cost of living in Alexandria is currently 31% higher than the average for the rest of the country, and also 31% higher than the rest of the state. Much of this is due to the high cost of housing, as we see below when we break down cost of living by different types of expenses.
How Much Is Rent in Alexandria, VA?
As of April 2024, the current median rent in Alexandria is $2,184 a month. Rent has grown about as fast in Alexandria over the past year (4.5%) as it has in the rest of the state (4.1%), but Virginia has bucked national trends, since rents are slightly down for the country overall by 0.8% this year.
How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Alexandria, VA?
As of April 2024, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Alexandria is $2,000 per month.
How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Alexandria, VA?
Median rent for two-bedroom apartments reached $2,458 in Alexandria as of April 2024.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Alexandria, VA?
One way to estimate salary is to use a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to live comfortably. Based on that, we estimate you should make around $80,000 a year to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Alexandria. This budgeting strategy would allow you to pay all your bills, have some spending for entertainment, and also be able to save.
MIT uses a more complex living wage calculation to estimate that you need a minimum of $55,955 to live in Alexandria. Such a budget would allow you to pay for bare essentials, but it does not leave room for things like savings.
How Much Are Utilities in Alexandria, VA?
The latest census data shows that renters in the state of Virginia pay on average $250.14 per month for water, gas, electricity, and fuel. That's slightly less than the $253.14 for the country overall. On top of that, people in Alexandria also pay an average of $184.83 per month for their phone bills.
| Location | Electricity | Gas | Water | Fuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $157.97 | $44.86 | $42.67 | $4.65 | $250.14 |
| United States | $150.93 | $51.12 | $45.52 | $5.57 | $253.14 |
How Much Is Child Care in Alexandria, VA?
Child care is a significant factor contributing to cost of living in Alexandria. According to MIT, child care costs for a single child are $20,898 in Alexandria. That cost skyrockets to $41,797 for families with two children.
How Much Is Transportation in Alexandria, VA?
Transportation costs in Virginia are on par with the rest of the country. The average person will spend $7,500 on transportation according to MIT. They'll see that cost go up to $12,580 for a family of four. Gas is currently $3.51 in Alexandria.
The free King Street Trolley connects Old Town to Alexandria City Hall, while DASH buses provide wider coverage throughout the city, connecting to Metrorail stations for longer commutes. For those who choose public transit, a WMATA SmarTrip card is the key. Fares depend on the distance traveled, but a one-way Metrorail ride generally costs under $6, with discounts available for seniors and students.
DASH buses are also affordable, with fares typically around $1.75. With its walkable neighborhoods and bike-friendly paths, Alexandria makes it easy to explore car-free, while still offering convenient and cost-effective public transportation options.
How Much Are Groceries in Alexandria, VA?
Grocery price estimates can vary widely, which is why we've included a chart below with the average prices in Alexandria for some of the most popular grocery store items. Additionally, Numbeo estimates that for a 2400 calorie Western diet, you would pay around $467.24 for 31 days worth of food.
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Steak | $13.93 |
| Ground Beef | $5.67 |
| Sausage | $5.62 |
| Frying Chicken | $1.41 |
| Chunk Light Tuna | $1.65 |
| Whole Milk | $4.83 |
| Eggs | $4.59 |
| Margarine | $2.00 |
| Parmesan Cheese | $5.16 |
| Potatoes | $5.33 |
Alexandria Health and Beauty
If you want to get a haircut in Alexandria, you'll pay an average of $27.83 for that service, whereas a trip to the salon will cost you, on average, $59.17.
Find Your Next Apartment in Alexandria, VA
Ready to plan your move to Alexandria? Why not start with building a great short list of apartments with ideal amenities in your price point and location. By taking our easy quiz, you'll not only be able to find matches for your ideal apartment, you can also flex your choices and explore different areas, price ranges, or amenities. Try it today!
FAQs about Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA
How Much Is Pet Care in Alexandria, VA?
Expect to pay an average of $102.63 to visit a veterinarian if you live in Alexandria, VA.
Is It Cheaper to Live in Arlington or Alexandria?
The cost of living in Alexandria is actually slightly lower (5%) than in Arlington. If you made $4,000 a month in Arlington, you would only need to make $3,819 to maintain your standard of living if you moved to Alexandria. Median rent in Arlington is $2,478 compared to Alexandria's $2,184.
Is Alexandria Cheaper than DC?
According to our estimates, cost of living in Alexandria is slightly lower (11%) than Washington DC. If you earned $4,000 a month in DC, you would only need to earn $3,558 to maintain the same standard of living in Alexandria. That being said, median rent in Alexandria stands at $2,184 whereas it's only $2,125 in DC.
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