Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Winston-Salem is 10% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,033/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 23%
$57,673/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 7%
$208,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 9%
$1,040/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 20%
250,887
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $4,270/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Allentown — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Allentown?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Allentown?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $4,270/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Allentown details →

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