Alexandria, VA vs Portsmouth, VA

The cost of living difference between Alexandria, VA and Portsmouth, VA is dramatic. Portsmouth is 71.8% cheaper than Alexandria, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alexandria has a cost index of 157 while Portsmouth sits at 91, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month compared to $1,266/month in Portsmouth — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portsmouth is more affordable at $229,400 median vs $696,800.

Median household income in Alexandria is $113,638 compared to $58,972 in Portsmouth (+92.7%). While Alexandria is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alexandria spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 25.8% in Portsmouth.