Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Winston-Salem and Baton Rouge have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↑ 1%
$57,673/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 13%
$208,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$224,500 ↑ 8%
$1,040/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ≈ Same
250,887
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,729/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Baton Rouge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $7,729/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,044/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Baton Rouge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Baton Rouge

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma