City vs city
Alexandria, LA vs Hickory, NC
- Rent is 14% lower in Alexandria (median $931/mo vs $1,063/mo in Hickory).
- Homes cost 52% less in Alexandria ($184k vs $278k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $183 more a month after taxes and rent in Alexandria.
- Schools rate higher in Hickory (5.5/10 vs 2.8/10).
- Hickory has less violent crime (5.6 vs 24.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Alexandria has milder winters (49°F vs 40°F average).
- Hickory gets more sun (231 vs 205 sunny days a year).
| Alexandria | Hickory | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $931/mo | $1,063/mo |
| Median home value | $184k | $278k |
| Median household income | $47k | $65k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $4,046 | $3,863 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.8/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Violent crime | 6.8× the US rate | 1.6× the US rate |
| Summer average | 94°F | 87°F |
| Winter average | 49°F | 40°F |
| Sunny days a year | 205 | 231 |
| Walk score | 51 | 53 |
| Population | 44,060 | 44,258 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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