Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

New Orleans is 27% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,211/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
$55,339/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 4%
$296,400 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 30%
$1,274/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 18%
376,035
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $2,334/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is New Orleans 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $2,334/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Winston-Salem details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Winston-Salem

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale