Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Winston-Salem is 15% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,033/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 1%
$57,673/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 23%
$208,200 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 33%
$1,040/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 5%
250,887
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,297/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Birmingham?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Birmingham?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $13,297/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery