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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Glendale is 24% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,095/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 3%
$84,262/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 35%
$1,043,900 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 33%
$2,212/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 2%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $29,376/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Glendale or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Alexandria?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Alexandria?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $29,376/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 Glendale or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen