Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Omaha is 13% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,150/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 10%
$72,708/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 21%
$230,100 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 10%
$1,249/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 17%
488,197
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $15,035/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 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

Omaha vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Omaha 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $15,035/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Winston-Salem details →

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