Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Newark is 41% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,330/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
$48,416/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 19%
$337,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 38%
$1,419/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 27%
307,188
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $9,257/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 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

Newark vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $9,257/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Winston-Salem details →

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