Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Winston-Salem is 40% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 55%
$57,673/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 32%
$208,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 90%
$1,040/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 61%
250,887
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $18,532/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lowell — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lowell?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lowell?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $18,532/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lowell details →

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