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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Winston-Salem is 59% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,033/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 97%
$57,673/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 97%
$208,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 235%
$1,040/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 109%
250,887
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $998/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $11,976/year.

Median household income is $55,965/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Alexandria?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $998/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Alexandria?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $55,965/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Alexandria

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen