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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Winston-Salem is 45% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 58%
$57,673/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 56%
$208,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 125%
$1,040/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 62%
250,887
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $32,365/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Charleston — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Charleston?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Charleston?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $32,365/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Charleston details →

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