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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Indianapolis is 4% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,112/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
$62,995/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 8%
$207,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$208,200 ≈ Same
$1,124/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 7%
882,043
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $5,322/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Indianapolis 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $5,322/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Winston-Salem details →

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