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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Torrance

California
218

Alexandria is 45% cheaper than Torrance.

$2,031/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 9%
$113,638/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$113,105/yr ≈ Same
$696,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 49%
$2,173/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 6%
156,788
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $533/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Torrance — common questions

Is Alexandria or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Torrance?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Torrance?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $533/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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Torrance details →