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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Winston-Salem is 10% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 8%
$57,673/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 11%
$208,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 7%
$1,040/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 23%
250,887
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $6,334/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $222,700 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, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (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 $1,114/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Springfield?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $6,334/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Springfield details →

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