Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Alexandria city's 0.96% effective property tax rate falls in the middle 50% of US counties, close to the national median of 0.81%. Within Virginia's 133 counties, it's the 8th highest. On the county's median home value of $735,100, the typical homeowner pays $7,024 annually in property tax, $5,395 more than the national median of $1,629. At closing, Virginia's 0.43% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $3,161 on a median-priced home, split between buyer and seller. FEMA data shows 65.0% of Alexandria city's land area falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area, a very high exposure level. Flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages in those zones and commonly adds $800–$3,000 per year.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Alexandria city.
Very high flood risk. Over 30% of this county lies in a FEMA flood zone. Flood insurance is required for any federally-backed mortgage in the SFHA. Check your property at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Alexandria city may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Statewide exemption of real property tax on the principal residence and up to one acre for veterans with 100% service-connected permanent and total disability (or rated 100% for individual unemployability). Extends to unremarried surviving spouses.
View official source →Va. Code §58.1-3210 authorizes localities to exempt or defer real estate tax for owners 65+ or permanently and totally disabled. Income and asset limits are set by each locality.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Alexandria city.
The effective property tax rate in Alexandria city is 0.96%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($7,024) divided by the median home value ($735,100), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
Virginia's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 0.43% of the purchase price. On the median Alexandria city home value of $735,100, this adds roughly $3,161 at closing. Grantor's (seller) tax $0.50/$500 (0.1%). Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads sellers pay an additional $0.15/$100 (0.15%) NVTA/HRTA regional congestion fee (total ~0.25% seller in those regions). Buyer pays State Recordation Tax $0.25/$100 (0.25%) + local 1/3 addition ($0.083/$100) + grantee tax $0.50/$500 (0.1%) ≈ 0.43% total on deed. Additional recordation on mortgage applies if financed.
Yes, substantially. FEMA National Risk Index data shows 65.0% of Alexandria city's land area falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Flood insurance is required for any federally-backed mortgage on a property inside an SFHA and commonly adds $800–$3,000 per year. Check your specific property's flood zone at msc.fema.gov before buying.
Closing costs for a buyer in Alexandria city typically run $14,702–$36,755 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $7,024/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $735,100 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 0.96% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 0.33%, seller 0.10%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Alexandria city.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
Virginia property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
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