Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Winston-Salem is 8% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,033/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ≈ Same
$57,673/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 11%
$208,200 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 18%
$1,040/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 2%
250,887
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,583/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Mobile — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Mobile?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Mobile?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $6,583/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Mobile

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale