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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Modesto is 31% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,609/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 26%
$77,899/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 46%
$415,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 68%
$1,613/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 35%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $35,739/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Modesto or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Alexandria?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Alexandria?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $35,739/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 Modesto or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen