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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Alexandria is 26% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,031/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 9%
$113,638/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 26%
$696,800 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 31%
$2,173/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 18%
156,788
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $29,021/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Alexandria or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $29,021/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Santa Maria

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton