Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Buffalo is 14% cheaper than Winston-Salem.

$989/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↑ 4%
$48,050/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 20%
$152,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 37%
$929/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↑ 12%
276,397
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,623/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 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

Buffalo vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Buffalo or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $9,623/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Winston-Salem details →

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