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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Alexandria is 92% more expensive than Gainesville.

$2,031/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 40%
$113,638/yr ↑ 149%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 60%
$696,800 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 66%
$2,173/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 46%
156,788
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $68,027/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Alexandria or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Gainesville?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Gainesville?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $68,027/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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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