Median rent is 18% lower in Miami ($1,657/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Miami, where the median home runs $475,200 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $59,390 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 Miami (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Miami, FL
How much would you need to earn in Miami, FL to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Miami, 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
Miami
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 Miami at $1,657/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $475,200 in Miami — 32% 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 Miami 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%
Miami
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Miami has cleaner air on average: 27.0 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 Miami if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,657/mo median).
Pick Miami if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 27.0).
Pick Miami if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Alexandria cheaper than Miami?
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 Miami?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,657/mo in Miami, FL. Miami, FL has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Miami?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $59,390 in Miami, 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?
Miami, FL has better air quality on average: 27.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Miami?
Florida has no state income tax. Virginia has a top rate of 5.75%.
What salary do I need in Miami 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 Miami, 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