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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Lancaster is 28% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,696/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 20%
$76,083/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 49%
$409,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 70%
$1,746/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 24%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $37,555/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Lancaster or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Alexandria?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Alexandria?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $37,555/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 Lancaster or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Alexandria

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen