Median rent is 31% lower in Greensboro ($1,114/mo vs $1,607/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greensboro, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $455,500. Households earn more in Carmel ($134,602 vs $58,884 a year). Taken together, Greensboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 93.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Carmel, IN.
City A
Carmel, IN
City B
Greensboro, NC
How much would you need to earn in Greensboro, NC to maintain your standard of living from Carmel, IN?
Equivalent salary in Greensboro, NC
$74,975
You could earn $25 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Carmel
Indiana
Greensboro
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Greensboro — median rent of $1,114/mo versus $1,607/mo in Carmel, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Carmel: the median home is $455,500 versus $221,300 in Greensboro — 51% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Indiana's top income tax rate is 3.05% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Carmel is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Indiana and 4.75% in North Carolina; Greensboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Carmel
Income tax: 3.05%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Greensboro
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Greensboro (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Carmel.
Pick Carmel if you prioritize higher median household income ($134,602/yr).
Pick Greensboro if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,114/mo median).
Pick Carmel if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.05%).
Is Carmel cheaper than Greensboro?
Greensboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 93.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Greensboro.
How much is rent in Carmel vs Greensboro?
Median rent is $1,607/mo in Carmel, IN and $1,114/mo in Greensboro, NC. Greensboro, NC has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Carmel or Greensboro?
Median household income is $134,602 in Carmel, IN and $58,884 in Greensboro, NC. Carmel, IN has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Carmel or Greensboro?
Indiana's top income tax rate is 3.05% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Carmel, IN has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Greensboro to match my Carmel income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Carmel, IN is equivalent to roughly $99,967 in Greensboro, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology