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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Louisville is 4% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,069/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
$64,731/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 11%
$221,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 6%
$1,118/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 7%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,058/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $7,058/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Winston-Salem details →

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