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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Alexandria is 58% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,031/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 16%
$113,638/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 46%
$696,800 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 52%
$2,173/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 25%
156,788
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $52,659/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Alexandria or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $52,659/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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