64
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Alexandria wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Virginia Beach wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Virginia Beach is more affordable
💼 Virginia Beach has lower unemployment
🛡️ Virginia Beach has fewer disasters
📋 Alexandria vs Virginia Beach — The Verdict
Alexandria scores 64.8/100 compared to Virginia Beach's 72.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Virginia Beach has a clear edge with home prices 48% lower. Virginia Beach may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Virginia Beach are 48% lower — a difference of $312,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Virginia Beach saves you $415/month — that's $4,980 per year.
💵
Households in Alexandria earn $25,635 more per year (29% higher median income).
🌬️
Alexandria has cleaner air with an AQI 18 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$655,700
$343,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,983
$1,568
Median Income
$113,179
$87,544
The affordability gap is significant — Virginia Beach offers home prices 48% lower than Alexandria, translating to $312,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
3.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
5 Good
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Alexandria wins on air quality with an AQI 18 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
11
9
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Alexandria to Virginia Beach: Common Questions
Is Alexandria or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Virginia Beach is more affordable overall. Home prices are $312,000 lower in Virginia Beach. Monthly rent is $1,568 in Virginia Beach vs $1,983 in Alexandria.
Does Alexandria or Virginia Beach have better weather?
Virginia Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Alexandria or Virginia Beach better for finding a job?
Virginia Beach currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Alexandria vs 3.6% in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $113,179 in Alexandria and $87,544 in Virginia Beach.
Which city is safer — Alexandria or Virginia Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Virginia Beach is safer. Alexandria has had 11 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Virginia Beach. Alexandria scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Virginia Beach.
Should I move from Alexandria to Virginia Beach?
Based on our data, Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 vs Alexandria's 64.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Virginia Beach is more affordable, while Virginia Beach has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.