Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Winston-Salem is 37% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 42%
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 11%
$208,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 89%
$1,040/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 48%
250,887
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $6,201/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $6,201/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Elizabeth

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland