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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Alexandria is 82% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$2,031/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 27%
$113,638/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 41%
$696,800 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 64%
$2,173/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 45%
156,788
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $544/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $6,528/year.

Median household income is $46,117/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Alexandria or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $544/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $46,117/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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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