Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Chicago is 41% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,380/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 25%
$75,134/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 23%
$315,200 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 34%
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 31%
2,707,648
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $17,461/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 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

Chicago vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $17,461/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Winston-Salem details →

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