Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Winston-Salem is 72% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,033/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 142%
$57,673/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 180%
$208,200 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 478%
$1,040/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 149%
250,887
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,472/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $17,664/year.

Median household income is $103,627/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Bellevue?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,472/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Bellevue?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $103,627/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Bellevue

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet