Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Colorado Springs is 68% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,562/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 34%
$83,198/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 31%
$420,700 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 51%
$1,592/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 35%
483,099
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $529/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,348/year.

Median household income is $25,525/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Colorado Springs 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 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $529/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $25,525/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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 Colorado Springs details → View Winston-Salem details →

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