Is Fort Lauderdale, FL cheaper than Alexandria, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Lauderdale, FL is 23.9% cheaper than Alexandria, VA. This translates to saving $1789 per month.

What salary do I need in Fort Lauderdale, FL to live like I do in Alexandria, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, VA, you'd need approximately $128,534.905 in Fort Lauderdale, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, VA and Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Housing in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 39.9% cheaper than in Alexandria, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL compared to $2,003/month in Alexandria, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, VA to Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Fort Lauderdale, FL could save you approximately $1789 per month, or $21465 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, VA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Alexandria, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.5K in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,789

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alexandria, VA

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$674K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Population:184K

Cost Index:

(24% below avg)

Median Home:$530K

Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Sunshine State

184K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 184K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, VA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL

Category	Alexandria, VA	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,409/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $2,160less	39.9%
Transportation	$1,824/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $362less	19.9%
Other	$1,766/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $160more	9.0%
Healthcare	$622/mo	$589/mo	↓ $33.05less	5.3%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$519/mo	↑ $19.22more	3.8%
Groceries	$1,062/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $17.62more	1.7%

Housing

↓ 39.9%

Alexandria, VA

$5,409

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Difference

$2,160

less

Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Alexandria, VA

$1,824

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Difference

$362

less

Other

↑ 9.0%

Alexandria, VA

$1,766

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Difference

$160

Healthcare

↓ 5.3%

Alexandria, VA

$622

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Difference

$33.05

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.8%

Alexandria, VA

$500

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Difference

$19.22

Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Alexandria, VA

$1,062

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Difference

$17.62

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,744

To$1,730

↓ $14.00

1 Bed

From$1,797

To$1,900

↑ $103

2 Bed

From$2,003

To$2,330

↑ $327

3 Bed

From$2,529

To$3,210

↑ $681

Alexandria, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$2,900/mo

Fort Lauderdale, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,850/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,182

Monthly in Alexandria, VA

$8,822

Monthly in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$2,360

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Fort Lauderdale

$674K

Median Value

$530K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.7%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.6%

$433K - $1.03M

Price Range

$358K - $851K

Homes in Fort Lauderdale are 21% less expensive than Alexandria

Calculate payment - Alexandria Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Alexandria, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.