Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Greensboro is 23% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,114/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 6%
$58,884/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 25%
$221,300 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 37%
$1,107/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 10%
298,564
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $14,508/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Greensboro or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Birmingham?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Birmingham?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $14,508/year higher in Greensboro.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Birmingham

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery