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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Lexington is 15% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,101/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 6%
$67,631/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 15%
$272,100 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 23%
$1,160/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 10%
321,122
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $9,958/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $9,958/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Winston-Salem details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Winston-Salem

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale