Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Greensboro and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,114/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ≈ Same
$58,884/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 13%
$221,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 3%
$1,107/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 3%
298,564
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,890/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Greensboro or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Knoxville?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Knoxville?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $7,890/year higher in Greensboro.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Knoxville details →

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