Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Greensboro is 4% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,114/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 14%
$58,884/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 9%
$221,300 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 15%
$1,107/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 12%
298,564
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $5,481/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Allentown — common questions

Is Greensboro or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Allentown?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Allentown?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $5,481/year higher in Greensboro.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo