Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Kent, WA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Winston-Salem is 51% cheaper than Kent.

$1,033/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 77%
$57,673/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 57%
$208,200 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 158%
$1,040/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 84%
250,887
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $800/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,600/year.

Median household income is $32,743/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Kent — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Kent?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $800/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Kent?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $32,743/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Kent

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights