Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Winston-Salem is 25% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 8%
$57,673/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 9%
$208,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 38%
$1,040/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 12%
250,887
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $5,422/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Evansville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Evansville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Evansville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $5,422/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Indiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Evansville

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow