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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Alexandria is 22% cheaper than Fullerton.

$2,031/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 5%
$113,638/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 8%
$696,800 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 23%
$2,173/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 4%
156,788
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $9,419/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Alexandria or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Fullerton?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Fullerton?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $9,419/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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