Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Winston-Salem is 32% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 27%
$57,673/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 95%
$208,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 64%
$1,040/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 60%
250,887
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $54,559/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Olathe — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Olathe?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Olathe?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $54,559/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

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