Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Boston is 148% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$2,093/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
$94,755/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 39%
$710,400 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 71%
$2,176/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $37,082/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 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

Boston vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $37,082/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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