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

Greensboro

North Carolina

Winston-Salem

North Carolina

Greensboro is 5% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,114/mo ↑ 8%

Median Rent

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%

$58,884/yr ↑ 2%

Median Income

$57,673/yr ↓ 2%

$221,300 ↑ 6%

Home Value

$208,200 ↓ 6%

$1,107/mo ↑ 6%

Owner Costs

$1,040/mo ↓ 6%

298,564

Population

250,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%

Income Tax

4.5%

4.75%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

22.7%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $1,211/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Greensboro 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 76 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Winston-Salem?

Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $81/month.

Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Winston-Salem?

Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $1,211/year higher in Greensboro.

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 Greensboro or Winston-Salem?

It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/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.