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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Winston-Salem is 14% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 18%
$57,673/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 16%
$208,200 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 13%
$1,040/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 21%
250,887
Population
171,897

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
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $9,113/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Clarksville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Clarksville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $9,113/year higher in Clarksville.
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 Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Clarksville details →

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