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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Richmond

California
161

Alexandria is 12% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,031/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 7%
$113,638/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 21%
$696,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 7%
$2,173/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 7%
156,788
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $23,600/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Richmond — common questions

Is Alexandria or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Richmond?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Richmond?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $23,600/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Richmond details →