Median rent is 17% lower in Sacramento ($1,694/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sacramento, where the median home runs $484,600 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $83,753 a year). Taken together, Sacramento 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 Alexandria, VA.
Quick verdict
Sacramento is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.9 in Sacramento vs 111.2 in Alexandria (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Sacramento, CA
How much would you need to earn in Sacramento, CA to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Sacramento, 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
Sacramento
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 rent is modestly lower in Sacramento at $1,694/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $484,600 in Sacramento — 30% more expensive.
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%
Sacramento
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Sacramento has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick Sacramento if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,694/mo median).
Pick Sacramento if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 32.0).
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Alexandria cheaper than Sacramento?
Sacramento 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 Sacramento.
How much is rent in Alexandria vs Sacramento?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,694/mo in Sacramento, CA. Sacramento, CA has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Sacramento?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $83,753 in Sacramento, CA. Alexandria, VA 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?
Sacramento, CA has better air quality on average: 32.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Sacramento?
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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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