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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Alexandria is 6% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,031/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 8%
$113,638/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 10%
$696,800 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 15%
$2,173/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 2%
156,788
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $11,317/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Alexandria or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Fairfield?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Fairfield?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $11,317/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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