Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Winston-Salem and Fargo have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 11%
$57,673/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 14%
$208,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 30%
$1,040/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 4%
250,887
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $8,356/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Fargo — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Fargo?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Fargo?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $8,356/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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