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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Winston-Salem is 40% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,033/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 46%
$57,673/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↑ 28%
$208,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 111%
$1,040/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 53%
250,887
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $15,935/year higher in Gresham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Gresham — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Gresham?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Gresham?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $15,935/year higher in Gresham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Gresham

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach