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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Alexandria and Murrieta have a similar cost of living.

$2,031/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 15%
$113,638/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 3%
$696,800 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 13%
$2,173/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 10%
156,788
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $3,858/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Alexandria or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Murrieta?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Murrieta?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $3,858/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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Murrieta details →

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