Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Kansas City is 13% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,186/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 13%
$67,449/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 14%
$227,000 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 8%
$1,205/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 14%
508,233
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $9,776/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 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

Kansas City vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Kansas 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $9,776/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Winston-Salem details →

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