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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $5.1K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $210.7K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 67.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,056
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$60.7K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Greensboro, NC

Population:302K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$229K

Boston, MA

Population:685K
Cost Index:
167
(67% above avg)
Median Home:$961K

Greensboro, NC

The Tar Heel State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Continental

Notable Facts

  • •Major education center
  • •Biotech capital
  • •Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Greensboro, NC vs Boston, MA

Housing
↑ 147.6%
Greensboro, NC
$2,131
Boston, MA
$5,275
Difference
$3,144
more
Transportation
↑ 52.3%
Greensboro, NC
$1,202
Boston, MA
$1,830
Difference
$628
more
Other
↑ 16.0%
Greensboro, NC
$1,574
Boston, MA
$1,825
Difference
$251
more
All Utilities
↑ 37.9%
Greensboro, NC
$519
Boston, MA
$716
Difference
$197
more
Healthcare
↑ 23.7%
Greensboro, NC
$601
Boston, MA
$743
Difference
$143
more
Groceries
↑ 12.5%
Greensboro, NC
$959
Boston, MA
$1,079
Difference
$120
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,220
To$3,095
↑ $1,875
1 Bed
From$1,280
To$3,255
↑ $1,975
2 Bed
From$1,400
To$3,865
↑ $2,465
3 Bed
From$1,790
To$4,630
↑ $2,840
Greensboro, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,600/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,986
Monthly in Greensboro, NC
$11,469
Monthly in Boston, MA
$4,483
Difference

Home Values

Greensboro
Boston
$229K
Median Value
$961K
↓ -0.7%
YoY Change
↓ -0.7%
↑ +35.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +7%
$179K - $364K
Price Range
$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 320% more expensive than Greensboro

Calculate payment - GreensboroCalculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $375
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$31.25
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

Greensboro, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Massachusetts State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Greensboro, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Greensboro
Boston
47 Good
Air Quality
36 Good
57.4%
Good Air Days
79.5%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
94 Moderate
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Massachusetts on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Greensboro, NC on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $169/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $169/mo

Similar cost to Boston, MA

Other cities in a similar price range

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