Cost of Living: Greensboro, NC vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Greensboro is 40% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 72%
$58,884/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 59%
$221,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 79%
$1,107/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 43%
298,564
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $34,487/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Surprise — common questions

Is Greensboro or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Surprise?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Surprise?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $34,487/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Greensboro or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Greensboro details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Surprise

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite