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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Columbus is 17% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,224/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 16%
$65,327/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 12%
$234,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 11%
$1,243/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 16%
906,480
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $7,654/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $7,654/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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