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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Washington is 141% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,900/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
$106,287/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 46%
$724,600 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 71%
$2,103/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 51%
672,079
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $48,614/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 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

Washington vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $48,614/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Winston-Salem details →

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