Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Winston-Salem is 46% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 66%
$57,673/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 71%
$208,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 133%
$1,040/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 55%
250,887
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $41,013/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Meridian — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Meridian?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Meridian?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $41,013/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Meridian

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord