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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Winston-Salem is 16% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 8%
$57,673/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 2%
$208,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 28%
$1,040/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 3%
250,887
Population
112,126

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $1,043/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Peoria — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Peoria?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Peoria?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $1,043/year higher in Peoria.
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 Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Peoria

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo