Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Jersey City is 108% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,902/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
$94,813/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 39%
$534,500 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 61%
$2,006/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 48%
289,691
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $37,140/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $869/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $37,140/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Winston-Salem details →

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