Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Greensboro, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

Philadelphia is 12% more expensive than Greensboro.

$1,323/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
$60,698/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↓ 3%
$232,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$221,300 ↓ 5%
$1,233/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↓ 10%
1,582,432
Population
298,564

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $1,814/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Greensboro — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Greensboro?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Greensboro?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $1,814/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Greensboro details →

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