Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Madison, WI (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Greensboro is 26% cheaper than Madison.

$1,114/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 22%
$58,884/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 31%
$221,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 57%
$1,107/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 33%
298,564
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $18,099/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Madison — common questions

Is Greensboro or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Madison?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Madison?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $18,099/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Wisconsin?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Madison details →

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