Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Winston-Salem is 48% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 61%
$57,673/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 45%
$208,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 163%
$1,040/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 63%
250,887
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $25,925/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $25,925/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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