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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Winston-Salem is 32% cheaper than Salem.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 28%
$57,673/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 25%
$208,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 84%
$1,040/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 38%
250,887
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $14,227/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Salem — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Salem?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Salem?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $14,227/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Salem details →

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