Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Durham and Greensboro, North Carolina. Using North Carolina's 0.78% property tax rate and $2,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Greensboro edges out Durham in affordability, saving you roughly $738/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in North Carolina, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses North Carolina's 0.78% property tax rate.
Buying in Greensboro saves you approximately $738/month ($8,856/year) compared to Durham, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Greensboro is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $265K versus $375K in Durham. That's $110K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $9K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Greensboro, compared to $13K in Durham. North Carolina offers the NC Home Advantage Mortgage program (Up to 5% DPA) which applies in both cities.
Greensboro has the better price-to-rent ratio at 18.7x versus 21.1x in Durham. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Greensboro is $1,180/month on a $265K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Greensboro (pop. 299,035) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Durham (pop. 283,506) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Greensboro offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.