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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Fremont is 61% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,905/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 30%
$176,350/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 36%
$1,289,400 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 46%
$3,000/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 28%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $62,712/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Fremont or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Alexandria?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Alexandria?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $62,712/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Alexandria details →

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Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen