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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Chula Vista is 3% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,122/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 4%
$105,173/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 8%
$697,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$696,800 ≈ Same
$2,342/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 7%
275,030
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $8,465/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Alexandria?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Alexandria?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $8,465/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 Chula Vista or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Alexandria details →

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