Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Athens, GA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Winston-Salem is 14% cheaper than Athens.

$1,033/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 12%
$57,673/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 10%
$208,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 31%
$1,040/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 12%
250,887
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $6,018/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Athens — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Athens?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Athens?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $6,018/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Athens details →

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