Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Winston-Salem is 22% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,033/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 32%
$57,673/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 9%
$208,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 29%
$1,040/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 26%
250,887
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $5,116/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and North Charleston?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or North Charleston?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $5,116/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and North Charleston

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands