Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Cincinnati and Winston-Salem have a similar cost of living.

$953/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↑ 8%
$51,707/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 12%
$215,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 3%
$1,041/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ≈ Same
309,595
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $5,966/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $5,966/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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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