Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Winston-Salem is 33% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 41%
$57,673/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 7%
$208,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 61%
$1,040/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 49%
250,887
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $3,907/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Paterson — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Paterson?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Paterson?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $3,907/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Paterson

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon