A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Alexandria Louisiana National
Cost of living9393100
Groceries9798100
Health care9696100
Housing8682100
Transportation9497100
Utilities101101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9996100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9195100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Alexandria, LA

Knowing the cost of living in Alexandria allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Alexandria stands at 93, marking it 7% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Alexandria aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Alexandria residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Alexandria?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 11 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Alexandria. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 27% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 73% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Alexandria Affordable?

Is Alexandria an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Alexandria is 14.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 13.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Alexandria has a median household income of $62,904, which is 22.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Alexandria?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Alexandria, the groceries index is 2.8% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Alexandria, healthcare costs are 3.9% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Alexandria, the transportation index stands at 6.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Alexandria shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Alexandria is equal to the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Alexandria is 7% lower than the national average
  • Alexandria housing is 14% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana general sales tax is 13% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana state income tax is 29% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Alexandria

See all the best places to live around Alexandria

Compare Alexandria, LA Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$98,927$8,244$2,308$2,968
      Renters$38,261$3,188$893$1,148
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Alexandria, LA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Alexandria, the median monthly income is $98,927 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,308 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $38,261, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $893 on monthly rental expenses.

      Louisiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Louisiana 4.45% 11.45%

      Louisiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Louisiana 1.85% 4.25%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Boyce, LA1,2648019.7%
      Lecompte, LA8408614.3%
      Pineville, LA14,677927.9%
      Ball, LA4,120937.0%
      Rock Hill, LA199954.5%
      Alexandria, LA48,170936.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Victoriaville, QC48,167n/a 
      Euclid, OH48,2758515.0%
      Mansfield, OH48,0588317.5%
      Potomac, MD48,01519898.1%
      Ocoee, FL48,41111616.4%
      Alexandria, LA48,170936.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.