Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Winston-Salem is 52% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 79%
$57,673/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 162%
$208,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 145%
$1,040/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 108%
250,887
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $819/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,828/year.

Median household income is $93,264/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Naperville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Naperville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $819/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Naperville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $93,264/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Naperville details →

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