Median rent is 8% lower in Greensboro ($1,114/mo vs $1,211/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greensboro, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $296,400. Households earn more in Greensboro ($58,884 vs $55,339 a year). Taken together, New Orleans is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 93.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Greensboro, NC.
City A
Greensboro, NC
City B
New Orleans, LA
How much would you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your standard of living from Greensboro, NC?
Equivalent salary in New Orleans, LA
$74,971
You could earn $29 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
Greensboro
North Carolina
New Orleans
Louisiana
👥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 $1,211/mo in New Orleans (8% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New Orleans: the median home is $296,400 versus $221,300 in Greensboro — 25% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.25% in Louisiana, so New Orleans is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.45% in Louisiana; New Orleans has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Greensboro
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
New Orleans
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
New Orleans has cleaner air on average: 52.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Greensboro if you prioritize higher median household income ($58,884/yr).
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Greensboro cheaper than New Orleans?
New Orleans is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 93.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New Orleans.
How much is rent in Greensboro vs New Orleans?
Median rent is $1,114/mo in Greensboro, NC and $1,211/mo in New Orleans, LA. Greensboro, NC has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Greensboro or New Orleans?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro, NC and $55,339 in New Orleans, LA. Greensboro, NC 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?
New Orleans, LA has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Greensboro or New Orleans?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Louisiana's is 4.25%. New Orleans, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New Orleans to match my Greensboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Greensboro, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,962 in New Orleans, LA (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