Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Winston-Salem is 22% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,033/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 6%
$57,673/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 10%
$208,200 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 43%
$1,040/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 6%
250,887
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $5,503/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lansing — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lansing?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lansing?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $5,503/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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