Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Winston-Salem is 4% cheaper than Knoxville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 8%
$57,673/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 12%
$208,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 3%
$1,040/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 3%
250,887
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $6,679/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Knoxville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Knoxville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $6,679/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Knoxville details →

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