Santa Ana, CA vs Alexandria, VA: 163 vs 173

$1,975/mo ↓ 3%

Median Rent

$2,031/mo ↑ 3%

$88,354/yr ↓ 22%

Median Income

$113,638/yr ↑ 29%

$657,800 ↓ 6%

Home Value

$696,800 ↑ 6%

$1,965/mo ↓ 10%

Owner Costs

$2,173/mo ↑ 11%

311,639

Population

156,788

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $25,284/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Alexandria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 173 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Alexandria?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $56/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Alexandria?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $25,284/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 Santa Ana or Alexandria?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Alexandria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons