Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Winston-Salem is 4% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 8%
$57,673/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 4%
$208,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 4%
$1,040/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 6%
250,887
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $2,497/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $2,497/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Mexico?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Las Cruces

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria