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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Denver is 107% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,770/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
$91,681/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 37%
$586,700 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 65%
$1,839/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 43%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $34,008/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $34,008/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Winston-Salem details →

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