Is Greensboro, NC cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Greensboro, NC is 8.2% cheaper than Raleigh, NC. This translates to saving $619 per month.

What salary do I need in Greensboro, NC to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $142,577.32 in Greensboro, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Greensboro, NC?

Housing in Greensboro, NC is 13.7% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Greensboro, NC compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Greensboro, NC?

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Greensboro, NC could save you approximately $619 per month, or $7423 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Greensboro, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $619/month moving to Greensboro, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.6K in Greensboro, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$619

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.4K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Greensboro, NC

Population:302K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$229K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Greensboro, NC

The Tar Heel State

302K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Greensboro, NC

Category	Raleigh, NC	Greensboro, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $338less	13.7%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $134less	7.8%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $81.96less	6.4%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.32less	5.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$601/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 13.7%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Greensboro, NC

$2,131

Difference

$338

less

Other

↓ 7.8%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Greensboro, NC

$1,574

Difference

$134

less

Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Greensboro, NC

$1,202

Difference

$81.96

less

All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Greensboro, NC

$519

Difference

$27.32

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Greensboro, NC

$959

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Greensboro, NC

$601

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,220

↓ $350

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,280

↓ $360

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,400

↓ $400

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,790

↓ $465

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

Greensboro, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,600/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,986

Monthly in Greensboro, NC

$581

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Greensboro

$512K

Median Value

$229K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.9%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$179K - $364K

Homes in Greensboro are 55% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Greensboro

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Raleigh, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Greensboro, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.