Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Oklahoma City is 4% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,083/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 5%
$66,702/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 14%
$215,100 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 3%
$1,133/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 8%
688,693
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $9,029/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 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

Oklahoma City vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $9,029/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and North Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Winston-Salem details →

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