Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Greensboro, NC (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

Raleigh is 45% more expensive than Greensboro.

$1,468/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
$82,424/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↓ 29%
$377,800 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$221,300 ↓ 41%
$1,487/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↓ 26%
470,763
Population
298,564

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $23,540/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Greensboro — common questions

Is Raleigh or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Greensboro?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Greensboro?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $23,540/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Greensboro details →

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