Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Winston-Salem is 21% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,033/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 22%
$57,673/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 53%
$208,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 21%
$1,040/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
250,887
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $30,643/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Elgin — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Elgin?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Elgin?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $30,643/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Elgin

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont