Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Boise, ID (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Winston-Salem is 37% cheaper than Boise.

$1,033/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 32%
$57,673/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 41%
$208,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 119%
$1,040/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 29%
250,887
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $23,635/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Boise — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Boise?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Boise?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $23,635/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

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