Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Winston-Salem is 10% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,033/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 22%
$57,673/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 13%
$208,200 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 1%
$1,040/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 13%
250,887
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $7,519/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Dearborn?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Dearborn?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $7,519/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

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