Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Winston-Salem is 9% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,033/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 10%
$57,673/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 18%
$208,200 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 15%
$1,040/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 4%
250,887
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $10,186/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $10,186/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Cedar Rapids

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar