Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia

173

East Los Angeles

California

134

Alexandria is 39% more expensive than East Los Angeles.

$2,031/mo ↑ 42%

Median Rent

$1,431/mo ↓ 30%

$113,638/yr ↑ 66%

Median Income

$68,378/yr ↓ 40%

$696,800 ↑ 14%

Home Value

$613,600 ↓ 12%

$2,173/mo ↑ 49%

Owner Costs

$1,458/mo ↓ 33%

156,788

Population

114,617

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

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $45,260/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Alexandria or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 173 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and East Los Angeles?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $600/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or East Los Angeles?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $45,260/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 East Los Angeles?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.