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

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Anaheim is 9% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,082/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 2%
$90,583/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 25%
$771,700 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 10%
$2,165/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ≈ Same
344,553
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $23,055/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Anaheim or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Alexandria?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Alexandria?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $23,055/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Alexandria details →