Median rent is 21% lower in Greenville ($983/mo vs $1,248/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greenville, where the median home runs $213,100 versus $453,300. Households earn more in Greenville ($68,460 vs $50,564 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (94.9).
City A
Greenville, NC
City B
Greenville, SC
How much would you need to earn in Greenville, SC to maintain your standard of living from Greenville, NC?
Equivalent salary in Greenville, SC
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Greenville
North Carolina
Greenville
South 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 Greenville — median rent of $983/mo versus $1,248/mo in Greenville, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Greenville: the median home is $453,300 versus $213,100 in Greenville — 53% 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 6.40% in South Carolina, so Greenville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.00% in South Carolina; Greenville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Greenville
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Greenville
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Greenville if you prioritize higher median household income ($68,460/yr).
Pick Greenville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($983/mo median).
Pick Greenville if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Greenville cheaper than Greenville?
Greenville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 94.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Greenville.
How much is rent in Greenville vs Greenville?
Median rent is $983/mo in Greenville, NC and $1,248/mo in Greenville, SC. Greenville, NC has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Greenville or Greenville?
Median household income is $50,564 in Greenville, NC and $68,460 in Greenville, SC. Greenville, SC 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 — Greenville or Greenville?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and South Carolina's is 6.40%. Greenville, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Greenville to match my Greenville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Greenville, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Greenville, SC (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