Median rent is 40% lower in High Point ($1,062/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in High Point, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $61,228 a year). Taken together, High Point 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
High Point is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in High Point vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
High Point, NC
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from High Point, 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
High Point
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 High Point — median rent of $1,062/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $212,400 in High Point — 72% 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 High Point 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).
High Point
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
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 High Point.
Pick High Point 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 High Point if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,062/mo median).
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is High Point cheaper than New York?
High Point 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 High Point.
How much is rent in High Point vs New York?
Median rent is $1,062/mo in High Point, NC and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. High Point, NC has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — High Point or New York?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — High Point or New York?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and New York's is 10.90%. High Point, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my High Point income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in High Point, 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