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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Alexandria is 24% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,031/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 18%
$113,638/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 3%
$696,800 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 51%
$2,173/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 13%
156,788
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $3,565/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Alexandria or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $3,565/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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Costa Mesa

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria