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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Long Beach is 2% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,803/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 13%
$83,969/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 35%
$762,200 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 9%
$1,890/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 15%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $29,669/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Long Beach or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Alexandria?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Alexandria?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $29,669/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 Long Beach or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Alexandria details →

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