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

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Greensboro is 65% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,114/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 99%
$58,884/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 76%
$221,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 372%
$1,107/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 111%
298,564
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,104/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $13,248/year.

Median household income is $44,894/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Greensboro or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Pasadena?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,104/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Pasadena?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $44,894/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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