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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Durham is 48% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,412/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
$79,234/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 27%
$355,300 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 41%
$1,434/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 27%
288,465
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $21,561/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $21,561/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Winston-Salem details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Winston-Salem

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale