Median rent is 30% lower in Greenville ($1,248/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greenville, where the median home runs $453,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $68,460 a year). Taken together, Greenville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 113.0 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Greenville, SC.
Quick verdict
Greenville is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Greenville vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Greenville, SC
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Greenville, SC?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$89,322
You'd need $14,322 more (19% 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
Greenville
South 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 Greenville — median rent of $1,248/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $453,300 in Greenville — 40% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% versus 10.90% in New York, so Greenville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in South Carolina and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Greenville
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Greenville.
Pick Greenville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Greenville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,248/mo median).
Pick Greenville if you prioritize lower state income tax (6.40%).
Is Greenville cheaper than New York?
Greenville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Greenville.
How much is rent in Greenville vs New York?
Median rent is $1,248/mo in Greenville, SC and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Greenville, SC has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Greenville or New York?
Median household income is $68,460 in Greenville, SC 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Greenville or New York?
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% and New York's is 10.90%. Greenville, SC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Greenville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Greenville, SC is equivalent to roughly $119,095 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