Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Portland is 94% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,596/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 35%
$88,792/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 35%
$557,600 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 63%
$1,771/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 41%
642,715
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $31,119/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 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

Portland vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $31,119/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Winston-Salem details →

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