Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Milwaukee is 6% cheaper than Winston-Salem.

$1,033/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ≈ Same
$51,888/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 11%
$172,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 21%
$1,082/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 4%
569,756
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,785/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 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

Milwaukee vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $5,785/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
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