Median rent is 37% lower in Greensboro ($1,114/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greensboro, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $58,884 a year). Taken together, Greensboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 113.0 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Greensboro is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in Greensboro vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Greensboro, NC
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Greensboro, NC?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$90,366
You'd need $15,366 more (20% higher).
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 York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $221,300 in Greensboro — 71% 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 10.90% in New York, so Greensboro is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Greensboro
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Greensboro has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 61.0 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 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Greensboro if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,114/mo median).
Pick Greensboro if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Is Greensboro cheaper than New York?
Greensboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Greensboro.
How much is rent in Greensboro vs New York?
Median rent is $1,114/mo in Greensboro, NC and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Greensboro, NC has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Greensboro or New York?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro, NC and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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?
Greensboro, NC has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Greensboro or New York?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and New York's is 10.90%. Greensboro, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Greensboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Greensboro, NC is equivalent to roughly $120,489 in New York, NY (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