Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Winston-Salem is 53% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 74%
$57,673/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 97%
$208,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 189%
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 87%
250,887
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $55,723/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Arvada — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Arvada?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Arvada?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $55,723/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Arvada details →

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