Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Winston-Salem is 22% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,033/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 1%
$57,673/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 25%
$208,200 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 48%
$1,040/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 8%
250,887
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,435/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Jackson — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Jackson?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Jackson?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $14,435/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Mississippi?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Jackson

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville