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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Tampa is 35% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,567/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 30%
$71,302/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 59%
$375,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 86%
$1,553/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 40%
393,389
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $42,336/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Tampa or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Alexandria?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Alexandria?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $42,336/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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