Is Alexandria, VA or Richmond, VA cheaper to buy in?

Richmond, VA is cheaper. The median home price in Alexandria, VA is approximately $811,700 and in Richmond, VA it is approximately $217,900 — a difference of $593,800.

Is Alexandria, VA or Richmond, VA more walkable?

Alexandria, VA is more walkable. Alexandria, VA has a Walk Score of 78/100 and Richmond, VA has a Walk Score of 17/100.

Which has better schools, Alexandria, VA or Richmond, VA?

Alexandria, VA has higher-rated schools. Alexandria, VA has a school rating of 8.4/10 and Richmond, VA has a rating of 7.6/10.

Let the numbers do the talking.

Alexandria, VA vs Richmond, VA

Alexandria, VA vs Richmond, VA: What the data shows

Alexandria, VA is in Alexandria, VA while Richmond, VA is in Richmond, VA — both in the same state. On home prices, Richmond, VA is the more affordable option at $217,900 median — $593,800 less than Alexandria, VA's $811,700. WYLT rates Alexandria, VA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Richmond, VA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.

Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Alexandria, VA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Richmond, VA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Alexandria, VA has Low flood risk and Richmond, VA has Low flood risk.

Alexandria, VA is the more walkable neighborhood. Alexandria, VA scores 78/100 (very walkable) versus Richmond, VA's 17/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Alexandria, VA has the higher school rating — Alexandria, VA rates 8.4/10 and Richmond, VA rates 7.6/10.

Category	Alexandria, VA	Richmond, VA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$812K	$218K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$2K	$1K ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$143K ✓ Higher income	$61K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	78/100 ✓ More walkable	17/100
Transit Score	51/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	54/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	35 min	18 min ✓ Shorter commute
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good ✓ Cleaner air	Moderate
Community
Schools	8.4/10 ✓ Better schools	7.6/10
Best for	Families with school-age kidsYoung professionals who walk or bikeHigh-income earners seeking a vibrant city feel	FamiliesFirst-time homebuyersThose prioritizing affordability

Bottom line

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.