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Greensboro vs Durham: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Durham is 11% more expensive than Greensboro. Greensboro is 9% safer. Greensboro population: 308,667. Durham population: 305,561.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingGreensboro
SafetyGreensboro
HousingGreensboro

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Greensboro vs Durham

Greensboro is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 92 vs 102 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.

CategoryGreensboroDurham
Overall Index92102
Housing$1,744/moIndex: 98$2,172/moIndex: 122
Groceries$398/moIndex: 97$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$343/moIndex: 98$350/moIndex: 100
Healthcare$314/moIndex: 98$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$207/moIndex: 94$207/moIndex: 94

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Greensboro vs Durham

Greensboro is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 residents vs Durham's 23.6. Greensboro earns a B- safety grade compared to Durham's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Greensboro

North Carolina

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate21.4/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Durham

North Carolina

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.6/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricGreensboroDurham
Overall Crime Rate21.4/1K23.6/1K
Violent Crime Rate404.2397.1
Property Crime Rate1740.21965.2
Murder Rate7.56.2
Assault Rate298.7285.0
Robbery Rate56.388.8
Burglary Rate260.2368.7
Theft Rate1474.11535.3
Vehicle Theft Rate159.5303.0

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Greensboro, you have a 1 in 47 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Durham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greensboro cheaper than Durham?
Greensboro is 11% more affordable than Durham, with a cost of living index of 92 vs 102 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $1,744/mo in Greensboro vs $2,172/mo in Durham.
Is Greensboro safer than Durham?
Greensboro is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 residents vs Durham's 23.6. Greensboro earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Greensboro or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro is safer (B- grade). Greensboro is more affordable (index 92 vs 102). Greensboro has a population of 308,667 and Durham has 305,561. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Greensboro compared to Durham?
Greensboro has a population of 308,667 and Durham has 305,561. Greensboro is 1% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Greensboro or Durham?
Housing is cheaper in Greensboro. Estimated monthly housing costs: Greensboro $1,744/mo vs Durham $2,172/mo. That's based on a housing index of 98 vs 122 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Greensboro Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Durham Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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