Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Winston-Salem is 39% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,033/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 30%
$57,673/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 30%
$208,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 138%
$1,040/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 34%
250,887
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $17,252/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $17,252/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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