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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Winston-Salem is 21% cheaper than Spokane.

$1,033/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↑ 10%
$57,673/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 14%
$208,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 57%
$1,040/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↑ 17%
250,887
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $8,072/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Spokane — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Spokane?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Spokane?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $8,072/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Spokane

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond