Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Winston-Salem is 20% cheaper than Norfolk.

$1,033/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 21%
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 11%
$208,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 31%
$1,040/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 31%
250,887
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $6,344/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Norfolk?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Norfolk?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $6,344/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Norfolk details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Norfolk

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita