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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Winston-Salem is 44% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 60%
$57,673/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 51%
$208,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 119%
$1,040/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 55%
250,887
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $618/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,416/year.

Median household income is $29,306/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Sparks — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Sparks?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $618/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Sparks?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $29,306/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Nevada?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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