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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Winston-Salem is 11% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 3%
$57,673/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 12%
$208,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 29%
$1,040/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
250,887
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,815/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Columbia — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Columbia?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Columbia?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $6,815/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Columbia

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka