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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Alexandria is 68% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,031/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 24%
$113,638/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 43%
$696,800 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 53%
$2,173/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 35%
156,788
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $49,198/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Alexandria or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Clearwater?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Clearwater?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $49,198/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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