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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Winston-Salem is 6% more expensive than Independence.

$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 3%
$57,673/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 3%
$208,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 20%
$1,040/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ≈ Same
250,887
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,807/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Independence — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Independence?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Independence?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $1,807/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Independence

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor