Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Greensboro, NC (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

Memphis is 11% cheaper than Greensboro.

$1,123/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
$51,211/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↑ 15%
$157,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$221,300 ↑ 41%
$1,087/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↑ 2%
629,063
Population
298,564

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,673/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Greensboro — common questions

Is Memphis or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Greensboro?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Greensboro?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $7,673/year higher in Greensboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Greensboro details →

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