Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Alexandria is 54% more expensive than Gresham.

$2,031/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 26%
$113,638/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 35%
$696,800 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 37%
$2,173/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 27%
156,788
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.3%
Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $523/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $6,276/year.

Median household income is $40,030/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Gresham — common questions

Is Alexandria or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Gresham?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $523/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Gresham?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $40,030/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Oregon?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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