Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Greensboro, NC (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

Chicago is 32% more expensive than Greensboro.

$1,380/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
$75,134/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↓ 22%
$315,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$221,300 ↓ 30%
$1,502/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↓ 26%
2,707,648
Population
298,564

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $16,250/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Greensboro — common questions

Is Chicago or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Greensboro?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Greensboro?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $16,250/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Greensboro details →

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