Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Minneapolis is 44% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,329/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
$80,269/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 28%
$345,600 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 40%
$1,513/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 31%
426,845
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $22,596/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 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

Minneapolis vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Minneapolis 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $22,596/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Winston-Salem details →

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