Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Winston-Salem is 9% cheaper than Sioux Falls.

$1,033/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 4%
$57,673/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↑ 30%
$208,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$271,400 ↑ 30%
$1,040/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↑ 8%
250,887
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,041/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $17,041/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with rent of $993/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Sioux Falls details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Sioux Falls

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Sioux Falls vs. Grand Rapids Sioux Falls vs. Overland Park Sioux Falls vs. Montgomery Sioux Falls vs. Huntington Beach Sioux Falls vs. Grand Prairie Sioux Falls vs. Peoria