Alexandria, VA vs Suffolk, VA

The cost of living difference between Alexandria, VA and Suffolk, VA is dramatic. Suffolk is 47.8% cheaper than Alexandria, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alexandria has a cost index of 157 while Suffolk sits at 106, 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 $1,484/month in Suffolk — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Suffolk is more affordable at $329,600 median vs $696,800.

Median household income in Alexandria is $113,638 compared to $90,089 in Suffolk (+26.1%). The higher salaries in Alexandria partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Alexandria spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Suffolk.