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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Seattle is 176% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,998/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 48%
$121,984/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 53%
$912,100 ↑ 338%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 77%
$2,220/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 53%
741,440
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $965/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $11,580/year.

Median household income is $64,311/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $965/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $64,311/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Winston-Salem details →

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