Median rent is 13% lower in Fort Lauderdale ($1,776/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, where the median home runs $455,600 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $79,935 a year). Taken together, Alexandria is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 111.2 against 111.9 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Alexandria, VA.
Quick verdict
Alexandria is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 111.2 in Alexandria vs 111.9 in Fort Lauderdale (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Fort Lauderdale, FL
How much would you need to earn in Fort Lauderdale, FL to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL
$75,483
You'd need $483 more (1% higher).
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
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
👥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 Fort Lauderdale at $1,776/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Virginia tops out at 5.75% — giving Fort Lauderdale a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 6.00% in Florida; Alexandria has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alexandria
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Fort Lauderdale
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Fort Lauderdale has cleaner air on average: 33.0 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 Fort Lauderdale if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,776/mo median).
Pick Fort Lauderdale if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 33.0).
Pick Fort Lauderdale if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Alexandria cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Alexandria is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 111.2 versus 111.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Alexandria.
How much is rent in Alexandria vs Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,776/mo in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fort Lauderdale, FL has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 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?
Fort Lauderdale, FL has better air quality on average: 33.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Fort Lauderdale?
Florida has no state income tax. Virginia has a top rate of 5.75%.
What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale to match my Alexandria income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alexandria, VA is equivalent to roughly $100,644 in Fort Lauderdale, FL (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