Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Winston-Salem is 16% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 9%
$57,673/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 14%
$208,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 25%
$1,040/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 6%
250,887
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $7,864/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Springfield — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Springfield?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Springfield?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $7,864/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Springfield details →

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