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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Sacramento is 24% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,694/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 20%
$83,753/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 36%
$484,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 44%
$1,752/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 24%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $29,885/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Sacramento or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Alexandria?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Alexandria?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $29,885/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 Sacramento or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Alexandria details →

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