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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Alexandria is 18% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,031/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ≈ Same
$113,638/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 21%
$696,800 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 20%
$2,173/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 5%
156,788
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,142/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Alexandria or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Vallejo?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Vallejo?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $24,142/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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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