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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Raleigh is 55% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,468/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 30%
$82,424/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 30%
$377,800 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 45%
$1,487/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 30%
470,763
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $24,751/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $24,751/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Winston-Salem details →

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