Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Winston-Salem

North Carolina

Albuquerque is 9% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,085/mo ↑ 5%

Median Rent

$1,033/mo ↓ 5%

$65,604/yr ↑ 14%

Median Income

$57,673/yr ↓ 12%

$266,700 ↑ 28%

Home Value

$208,200 ↓ 22%

$1,149/mo ↑ 10%

Owner Costs

$1,040/mo ↓ 9%

562,488

Population

250,887

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.5%

5.0%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $7,931/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Winston-Salem?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $52/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Winston-Salem?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $7,931/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Winston-Salem?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.