Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Greensboro is 15% cheaper than Norfolk.

$1,114/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 12%
$58,884/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 9%
$221,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 23%
$1,107/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 23%
298,564
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $5,133/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Greensboro or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Norfolk?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Norfolk?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $5,133/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Norfolk details →

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