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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

San Francisco is 54% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,419/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 16%
$141,446/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 20%
$1,380,500 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 50%
$2,620/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 17%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $27,808/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Alexandria — common questions

Is San Francisco or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Alexandria?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Alexandria?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $27,808/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Alexandria details →

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