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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

San Diego is 14% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,223/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 9%
$104,321/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 9%
$848,500 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 18%
$2,308/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 6%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $9,317/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Alexandria — common questions

Is San Diego or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Alexandria?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Alexandria?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $9,317/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 San Diego or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Alexandria details →

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