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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

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

$1,033/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 14%
$57,673/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 2%
$208,200 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 17%
$1,040/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 11%
250,887
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $1,278/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $1,278/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Fayetteville

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester