Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Atlanta is 72% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,617/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
$81,938/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 30%
$420,600 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 50%
$1,695/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 39%
499,287
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $24,265/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 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

Atlanta vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Atlanta 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $24,265/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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.
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