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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Downey

California
169

Alexandria is 2% more expensive than Downey.

$2,031/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 7%
$113,638/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 23%
$696,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 5%
$2,173/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 8%
156,788
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $26,238/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Downey — common questions

Is Alexandria or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Downey?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Downey?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $26,238/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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