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

Alexandria

Virginia

173

West Palm Beach

Florida

119

Alexandria is 54% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,031/mo ↑ 19%

Median Rent

$1,709/mo ↓ 16%

$113,638/yr ↑ 64%

Median Income

$69,261/yr ↓ 39%

$696,800 ↑ 88%

Home Value

$369,800 ↓ 47%

$2,173/mo ↑ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,667/mo ↓ 23%

156,788

Population

119,508

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

5.3%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.86%

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

29.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $44,377/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Alexandria or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 173 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and West Palm Beach?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $322/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or West Palm Beach?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $44,377/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 West Palm Beach?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.