Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Greensboro is 56% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,114/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 82%
$58,884/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 93%
$221,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 215%
$1,107/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 96%
298,564
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $54,754/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Greensboro slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Greensboro or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Alexandria?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Alexandria?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $54,754/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/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.
View Greensboro details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Alexandria

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen