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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Winston-Salem is 19% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 30%
$57,673/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 17%
$208,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 12%
$1,040/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 30%
250,887
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $10,085/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Hampton — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Hampton?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Hampton?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $10,085/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Hampton details →

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