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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Lincoln is 8% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,045/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 1%
$69,991/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 18%
$248,200 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 16%
$1,140/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 9%
291,932
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,318/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 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

Lincoln vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Lincoln 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 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $12,318/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Winston-Salem details →

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