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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Los Angeles is 8% more expensive than Alexandria.

$1,879/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 8%
$80,366/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 41%
$879,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 21%
$2,055/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 6%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $33,272/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Alexandria?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Alexandria?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $33,272/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 Los Angeles or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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