Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Winston-Salem is 24% cheaper than Bridgeport.

$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 36%
$57,673/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 2%
$208,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 21%
$1,040/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 42%
250,887
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $1,089/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $1,089/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Bridgeport

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton