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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Alexandria is 134% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,031/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 47%
$113,638/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 53%
$696,800 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 119%
$2,173/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 40%
156,788
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $60,032/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Alexandria or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $60,032/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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