Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Durham, NC (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Greensboro is 28% cheaper than Durham.

$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 27%
$58,884/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 35%
$221,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 61%
$1,107/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 30%
298,564
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $20,350/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Durham — common questions

Is Greensboro or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Durham?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Durham?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $20,350/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Durham

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo