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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Santa Rosa and Alexandria have a similar cost of living.

$2,084/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 3%
$97,410/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 17%
$685,000 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 2%
$2,130/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 2%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $16,228/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Alexandria?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Alexandria?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $16,228/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 Rosa or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Santa Rosa details → View Alexandria details →

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