A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Greensboro North Carolina National
Cost of living9394100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries9598100
Health care105108100
Housing9085100
Transportation9492100
Utilities8994100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Greensboro, NC

Understanding the cost of living in Greensboro can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Greensboro cost of living index is 93, which is 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In Greensboro, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Greensboro will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Greensboro?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 42 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Greensboro. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Greensboro Affordable?

Is Greensboro affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Greensboro, for instance, where the median home price falls 11.7% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 5.9% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Greensboro flaunting a median household income of $49,492, 10.5% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Greensboro?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Greensboro comes in at 11.2% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Greensboro, the transportation index stands at 5.6% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Greensboro, healthcare costs are 5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Greensboro, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Greensboro is 1% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Greensboro is 7% lower than the national average
  • Greensboro housing is 10% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Greensboro

See all the best places to live around Greensboro

Compare Greensboro, NC Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$72,038$6,003$1,681$2,161
      Renters$34,855$2,905$813$1,046
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Greensboro, NC, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Greensboro, the median monthly income is $72,038 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,681 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $34,855, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $813 on monthly rental expenses.

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Greensboro National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.33$24.2616.8%
      Beauty Salon $37.66$45.5617.3%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.700.8%
      Shampoo $1.24$1.283.4%
      Movie $12.00$12.131.1%
      Bowling $18.67$18.003.7%

      Groceries

      Item Greensboro National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.17$5.845.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.9%
      Milk $4.49$4.673.8%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.3%
      Pizza $10.41$12.0913.9%
      Beer $10.25$10.411.6%

      Health Care

      Item Greensboro National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $146.78$125.6816.8%
      Doctor $174.00$135.7828.1%
      Dentist $97.67$113.2913.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.31$10.653.2%
      Lipitor $495.98$468.605.8%

      Housing

      Item Greensboro National avg. Difference
      Home Price $163,000.00$184,700.0011.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,041.67$2,346.6913.0%
      Apartment Rent $893.00$949.005.9%

      Transportation

      Item Greensboro National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.31$3.464.2%
      Tire Balancing $54.55$59.929.0%

      Utilities

      Item Greensboro National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $161.71$193.9916.6%
      Phone $186.82$192.252.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Archdale, NC11,7389010.5%
      McLeansville, NC9258911.3%
      Trinity, NC6,619919.1%
      Sedalia, NC471909.7%
      High Point, NC112,434936.8%
      Greensboro, NC294,395937.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gatineau, QC293,695n/a 
      Anchorage, AK292,09013131.4%
      Plano, TX288,87013030.3%
      Pittsburgh, PA301,286954.8%
      Lincoln, NE286,388981.8%
      Greensboro, NC294,395937.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.