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

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Greensboro is 16% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,114/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 13%
$58,884/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 50%
$221,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 14%
$1,107/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 36%
298,564
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $29,432/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Elgin — common questions

Is Greensboro or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Elgin?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Elgin?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $29,432/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Elgin

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont