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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Pittsburgh is 7% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,221/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
$64,137/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
$193,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 8%
$1,136/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 8%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $6,464/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $6,464/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Winston-Salem details →

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