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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Temecula

California
179

Alexandria is 6% cheaper than Temecula.

$2,031/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 13%
$113,638/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 4%
$696,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 8%
$2,173/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 12%
156,788
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $4,202/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Temecula — common questions

Is Alexandria or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Temecula?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Temecula?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $4,202/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Temecula details →