Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Winston-Salem is 33% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 42%
$57,673/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 34%
$208,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 62%
$1,040/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 49%
250,887
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $19,742/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Manchester — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Manchester?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Manchester?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $19,742/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Hampshire?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Manchester

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City