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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Winston-Salem is 11% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,033/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 3%
$57,673/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 3%
$208,200 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 29%
$1,040/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 2%
250,887
Population
198,440

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,986/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Montgomery?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Montgomery?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $1,986/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 Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Montgomery

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park