Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

St. Paul is 28% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,248/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 17%
$73,055/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 21%
$280,300 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 26%
$1,390/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 25%
307,762
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $15,382/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 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

St. Paul vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $15,382/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Winston-Salem details →

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