Median rent is 19% lower in Greensboro ($1,114/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greensboro, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $58,884 a year). Taken together, Greensboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Greensboro is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in Greensboro vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Greensboro, NC
How much would you need to earn in Greensboro, NC to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Greensboro, NC
$66,534
You could earn $8,466 less (11% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Greensboro at $1,114/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $221,300 in Greensboro — 30% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Greensboro is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.75% in North Carolina; Greensboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Greensboro
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Greensboro if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Greensboro if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,114/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Greensboro?
Greensboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Greensboro.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Greensboro?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,114/mo in Greensboro, NC. Greensboro, NC has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Greensboro?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $58,884 in Greensboro, NC. Chicago, IL 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Greensboro?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Greensboro, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Greensboro to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $88,712 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