Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Winston-Salem and Columbus have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↑ 4%
$57,673/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 2%
$208,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 12%
$1,040/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↑ 2%
250,887
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,051/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Columbus — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Columbus?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Columbus?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $1,051/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

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Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney