Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Winston-Salem is 19% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,033/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 20%
$57,673/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 53%
$208,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 19%
$1,040/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 42%
250,887
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $30,353/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Joliet — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Joliet 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 Joliet?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Joliet?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $30,353/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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