Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Winston-Salem is 24% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 27%
$57,673/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 52%
$208,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 38%
$1,040/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 28%
250,887
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $30,094/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Rochester — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Rochester?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Rochester?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $30,094/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Minnesota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Rochester details →

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