Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Winston-Salem is 9% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,033/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↑ 4%
$57,673/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 3%
$208,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 29%
$1,040/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↑ 1%
250,887
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,510/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Kansas City?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Kansas City?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $1,510/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Kansas City details →

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