Median rent is 19% lower in Pompano Beach ($1,636/mo vs $2,031/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pompano Beach, where the median home runs $321,900 versus $696,800. Households earn more in Alexandria ($113,638 vs $63,832 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 Pompano Beach (US average = 100)
City A
Alexandria, VA
City B
Pompano Beach, FL
How much would you need to earn in Pompano Beach, FL to maintain your standard of living from Alexandria, VA?
Equivalent salary in Pompano Beach, 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
Pompano Beach
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 Pompano Beach at $1,636/mo compared to $2,031/mo in Alexandria (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Alexandria: the median home is $696,800 versus $321,900 in Pompano Beach — 54% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Virginia tops out at 5.75% — giving Pompano Beach 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%
Pompano Beach
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Alexandria (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Pompano Beach.
Pick Alexandria if you prioritize higher median household income ($113,638/yr).
Pick Pompano Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,636/mo median).
Pick Pompano Beach if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Alexandria cheaper than Pompano Beach?
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 Pompano Beach?
Median rent is $2,031/mo in Alexandria, VA and $1,636/mo in Pompano Beach, FL. Pompano Beach, FL has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Alexandria or Pompano Beach?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria, VA and $63,832 in Pompano Beach, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Alexandria or Pompano Beach?
Florida has no state income tax. Virginia has a top rate of 5.75%.
What salary do I need in Pompano Beach 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 Pompano Beach, 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