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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Alexandria is 80% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$2,031/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 32%
$113,638/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 23%
$696,800 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 66%
$2,173/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 29%
156,788
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $25,688/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Alexandria or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $25,688/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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