Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Greensboro is 36% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,114/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 44%
$58,884/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 29%
$221,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 79%
$1,107/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 51%
298,564
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $489/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $5,868/year.

Median household income is $17,321/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Lowell — common questions

Is Greensboro or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Lowell?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $489/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Lowell?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $17,321/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Lowell details →

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