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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Orange

California
206

Alexandria is 33% cheaper than Orange.

$2,031/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 11%
$113,638/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 3%
$696,800 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 29%
$2,173/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 10%
156,788
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $3,307/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Orange — common questions

Is Alexandria or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Orange?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Orange?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $3,307/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Orange details →