Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Winston-Salem is 50% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,033/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 69%
$57,673/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 49%
$208,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 163%
$1,040/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 66%
250,887
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $28,116/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lakewood?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lakewood?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $28,116/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Lakewood

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield