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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Fresno is 42% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,324/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 53%
$66,804/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 70%
$348,500 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 100%
$1,391/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 56%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $46,834/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Fresno or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Alexandria?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Alexandria?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $46,834/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 Fresno or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Alexandria

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen