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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Elk Grove is 3% cheaper than Alexandria.

$2,180/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 7%
$122,229/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 7%
$603,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 15%
$2,227/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 2%
177,221
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $8,591/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Alexandria?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Alexandria?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $8,591/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Alexandria

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen