Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Baltimore is 18% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,290/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 20%
$59,623/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 3%
$219,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 5%
$1,333/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 22%
577,193
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $1,950/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 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

Baltimore vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $1,950/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and North Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Winston-Salem details →

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