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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Winston-Salem is 12% cheaper than Hartford.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 18%
$57,673/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 21%
$208,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 4%
$1,040/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 23%
250,887
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $12,373/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Hartford — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Hartford?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Hartford?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $12,373/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Hartford details →

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