Median rent is 3% lower in Alexandria ($2,031/mo vs $2,099/mo). Buying is cheaper in Roseville, where the median home runs $630,600 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Roseville ($117,354 vs $113,638 a year). Taken together, Roseville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.9 against 111.2 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Roseville, CA.
Quick verdict
Roseville is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.9 in Roseville vs 111.2 in Alexandria (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Roseville, CA
How much would you need to earn in Roseville, CA to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Roseville, CA
$74,121
You could earn $879 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Alexandria
Virginia
Roseville
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $2,031/mo in Alexandria and $2,099/mo in Roseville. Median home values are within 10% of each other: $696,800 in Alexandria and $630,600 in Roseville.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 13.30% in California, so Alexandria is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 7.25% in California; Alexandria has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Roseville
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Alexandria (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Roseville.
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Alexandria cheaper than Roseville?
Roseville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.9 versus 111.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Roseville.
How much is rent in Alexandria vs Roseville?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $2,099/mo in Roseville, CA. Alexandria, VA has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Roseville?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $117,354 in Roseville, CA. Roseville, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Roseville?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and California's is 13.30%. Alexandria, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Roseville to match my Alexandria income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alexandria, VA is equivalent to roughly $98,828 in Roseville, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology