Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Aurora is 83% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,759/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 41%
$84,320/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 32%
$444,500 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 53%
$1,762/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 41%
390,201
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $726/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,712/year.

Median household income is $26,647/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Aurora 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 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $726/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $26,647/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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.
View Aurora details → View Winston-Salem details →

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