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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Winston-Salem is 6% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,033/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↑ 5%
$57,673/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 8%
$208,200 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 22%
$1,040/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↑ 1%
250,887
Population
201,504

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $4,539/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Augusta — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Augusta?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Augusta?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $4,539/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 Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Augusta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Augusta

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Augusta vs. McKinney Augusta vs. Oxnard Augusta vs. Little Rock Augusta vs. Amarillo Augusta vs. Salt Lake City Augusta vs. Tallahassee