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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Winston-Salem is 132% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,033/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 120%
$57,673/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 143%
$208,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 315%
$1,040/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 132%
250,887
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,242/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $14,904/year.

Median household income is $82,487/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Arlington — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Arlington?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,242/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Arlington?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $82,487/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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