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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Winston-Salem is 12% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,033/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 12%
$57,673/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 6%
$208,200 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 24%
$1,040/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 7%
250,887
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $3,355/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $3,355/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Chattanooga details →

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