Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Greensboro is 41% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,114/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 46%
$58,884/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 53%
$221,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 112%
$1,107/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 52%
298,564
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $31,154/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Charleston — common questions

Is Greensboro or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Charleston?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Charleston?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $31,154/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Charleston details →

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