Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Provo, UT (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Winston-Salem is 30% cheaper than Provo.

$1,033/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 12%
$57,673/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 9%
$208,200 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 110%
$1,040/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 17%
250,887
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $5,127/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Provo — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Provo?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Provo?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $5,127/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Utah?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Provo details →

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