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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Winston-Salem is 11% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,033/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 12%
$57,673/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 4%
$208,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 17%
$1,040/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 12%
250,887
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $2,020/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $243,500 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 $1,158/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Columbia?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $2,020/year higher in Winston-Salem.
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 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 $1,158/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. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids