Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Modesto

California
120

Greensboro is 37% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,114/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 44%
$58,884/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 32%
$221,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 88%
$1,107/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 46%
298,564
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $19,015/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Modesto — common questions

Is Greensboro or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Modesto?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Modesto?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $19,015/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Modesto

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley