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

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Reno is 72% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,453/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
$78,448/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 26%
$498,600 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 58%
$1,482/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 30%
268,959
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $20,775/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Reno 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $20,775/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and North Carolina?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Winston-Salem details →

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