Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Winston-Salem is 42% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,033/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 16%
$57,673/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 25%
$208,200 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 55%
$1,040/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 20%
250,887
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $14,219/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Dayton — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Dayton?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Dayton?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $14,219/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Dayton details →

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