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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Irvine is 48% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,893/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 30%
$129,647/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 12%
$1,115,400 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 38%
$2,904/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 25%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $16,009/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Irvine or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Alexandria?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Alexandria?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $16,009/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Alexandria

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen