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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Alexandria is 91% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,031/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 36%
$113,638/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 46%
$696,800 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 67%
$2,173/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
156,788
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $732/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $8,784/year.

Median household income is $52,691/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Alexandria or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Lakeland?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $732/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Lakeland?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $52,691/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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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