Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Alexandria is 78% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,031/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 5%
$113,638/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 4%
$696,800 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 94%
$2,173/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
156,788
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $5,080/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Alexandria or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Berkeley?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Berkeley?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $5,080/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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