Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Winston-Salem is 8% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 3%
$57,673/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 7%
$208,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 21%
$1,040/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 2%
250,887
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,781/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lafayette?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lafayette?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $3,781/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield