Alexandria vs Long Beach
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Alexandria
Long Beach
💡 The Verdict
Alexandria is 34% cheaper than Long Beach overall. A $75,000 salary in Alexandria is equivalent to $113,971 in Long Beach.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Alexandria (left) vs Long Beach (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Alexandria versus Long Beach. Differences shown from Alexandria perspective.
| Item | Alexandria | Long Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $770/mo | $1,580/mo | $-810.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,040/mo | $2,200/mo | $-1160.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,370/mo | $2,950/mo | $-1580.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.63 | $3.14 | $-0.51 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.71 | $4.19 | $-0.48 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.03 | $3.34 | $-0.31 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.61 | $5.87 | $-0.26 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.41 | $3.71 | $-0.30 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16.52 | $20.86 | $-4.34 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Alexandria has the same purchasing power as $113,971 in Long Beach.
Conversely, $75,000 in Long Beach equals $49,355 in Alexandria.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $900 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. Virginia details → · California details →
Reading These Numbers: Alexandria (102) vs Long Beach (155)
Alexandria at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Long Beach at 155 is 55% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Alexandria, the composite index of 102 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 87, followed by groceries (98), utilities (98), transportation (106), and healthcare (99). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,040/mo in Alexandria and $2,200/mo in Long Beach, the annual rent difference is approximately $13,920.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $69,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $393,000.0 difference in median home prices between Alexandria and Long Beach translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Alexandria vs Long Beach
Choosing between Alexandria and Long Beach involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Alexandria and Long Beach can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.