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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Ontario is 12% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,916/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 6%
$82,806/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 37%
$568,000 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 23%
$1,967/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 10%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $30,832/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Ontario or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Alexandria?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Alexandria?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $30,832/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 Ontario or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Alexandria

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen