Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Philadelphia is 20% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,323/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
$60,698/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 5%
$232,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 10%
$1,233/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 16%
1,582,432
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $3,025/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $3,025/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Winston-Salem details →

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