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

Alexandria

Virginia

173

Simi Valley

California

200

Alexandria is 27% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$2,031/mo ↓ 19%

Median Rent

$2,513/mo ↑ 24%

$113,638/yr ↓ 3%

Median Income

$117,703/yr ↑ 4%

$696,800 ↓ 8%

Home Value

$753,500 ↑ 8%

$2,173/mo ↓ 16%

Owner Costs

$2,576/mo ↑ 19%

156,788

Population

125,769

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

25.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $4,065/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Alexandria or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 200 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Simi Valley?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $482/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Simi Valley?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $4,065/year higher in Simi Valley.

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 Simi Valley?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.