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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Winston-Salem is 15% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 26%
$57,673/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 2%
$208,200 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 8%
$1,040/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 21%
250,887
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $891/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Savannah — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Savannah?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Savannah?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $891/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Savannah has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,302/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Savannah details →

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