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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Winston-Salem is 47% cheaper than Cary.

$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 57%
$57,673/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 124%
$208,200 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 152%
$1,040/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 68%
250,887
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $71,726/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Cary — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Cary?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Cary?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $71,726/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Cary details →

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