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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Cleveland is 28% cheaper than Winston-Salem.

$894/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↑ 16%
$39,187/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 47%
$94,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 121%
$866/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↑ 20%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $18,486/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Cleveland or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $18,486/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 Cleveland or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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