Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Alexandria is 65% more expensive than Brandon.

$2,031/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 17%
$113,638/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 32%
$696,800 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 58%
$2,173/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 29%
156,788
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $36,570/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Brandon — common questions

Is Alexandria or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Brandon?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Brandon?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $36,570/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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