Alexandria, VA vs Roanoke, VA

The cost of living difference between Alexandria, VA and Roanoke, VA is dramatic. Roanoke is 106.8% cheaper than Alexandria, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alexandria has a cost index of 157 while Roanoke sits at 76, 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 $964/month in Roanoke — a 111% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Roanoke is more affordable at $180,500 median vs $696,800.

Median household income in Alexandria is $113,638 compared to $52,671 in Roanoke (+115.8%). 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 22% in Roanoke.