Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Winston-Salem is 70% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,033/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 165%
$57,673/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 119%
$208,200 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 400%
$1,040/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 153%
250,887
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,709/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $20,508/year.

Median household income is $68,796/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Cambridge?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,709/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Cambridge?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $68,796/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Cambridge details →

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