Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Greensboro is 28% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 31%
$58,884/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 9%
$221,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 52%
$1,107/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 40%
298,564
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $5,118/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Paterson — common questions

Is Greensboro or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Paterson?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Paterson?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $5,118/year higher in Greensboro.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Paterson

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon