Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Winston-Salem is 19% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,033/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 12%
$57,673/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 27%
$208,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 48%
$1,040/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 14%
250,887
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $15,583/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Metairie — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Metairie?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Metairie?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $15,583/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Metairie details →

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