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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Alexandria is 49% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$2,031/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 51%
$113,638/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 60%
$696,800 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 161%
$2,173/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 39%
156,788
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,034/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $12,408/year.

Median household income is $68,224/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Alexandria or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,034/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $68,224/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Sunnyvale

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston